Almost everyone appreciates that economics is important. Promises are constantly made which relate to economic outcomes – 'no more boom and bust' was one from the last government – but rarely do things turn out as expected. Whether things go right or wrong, the consequences affect all of us. A proper understanding of the subject is essential to making our society successful.

Readers are introduced to the essential building blocks of economic thinking through the exploration of real world economic issues. Crucially, Forder goes beyond a basics presentation of what economists say, and asks what economics is, what it does, and when it is useful.