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The Undercover EconomistBy: Tim Harford The economy [isnt] a bunch of rather dull statistics with names like GDP (gross domestic product), notes Tim Harford, columnist and regular guest on NPRs Marketplace, economics is about who gets what and why. In this acclaimed and riveting bookpart expos, part users manualthe astute and entertaining columnist from the Financial Times demystifies the ways in which money works in the world. From why the coffee in your cup costs so much
By: Tim Harford“The economy [isn’t] a bunch of rather dull statistics with names like GDP (gross domestic product),” notes Tim Harford, columnist and regular guest on NPR’s Marketplace, “economics is about who gets what and why.” In this acclaimed and riveting book–part exposé, part user’s manual–the astute and entertaining columnist from the Financial Times demystifies the ways in which money works in the world. From why the coffee in your cup costs so much to why efficiency is not necessarily the answer to ensuring a fair society, from improving health care to curing crosstown traffic–all the dirty little secrets of dollars and cents are delightfully revealed by The Undercover Economist.
“A rare specimen: a book on economics that will enthrall its readers . . . It brings the power of economics to life.”
–Steven D. Levitt, coauthor of Freakonomics
“A playful guide to the economics of everyday life, and as such is something of an elder sibling to Steven Levitt’s wild child, the hugely successful Freakonomics.”
–The Economist
“A tour de force . . . If you need to be convinced of the everrelevant and fascinating nature of economics, read this insightful and witty book.”
–Jagdish Bhagwati, author of In Defense of Globalization
“This is a book to savor.”
–The New York Times
“Harford writes like a dream. From his book I found out why there’s a Starbucks on every corner [and] how not to get duped in an auction. Reading The Undercover Economist is like spending an ordinary day wearing X-ray goggles.”
–David Bodanis, author of Electric Universe
“Much wit and wisdom.”
–The Houston Chronicle
From Publishers Weekly
Nattily packaged-the cover sports a Roy Lichtensteinesque image of an economist in Dick Tracy garb-and cleverly written, this book applies basic economic theory to such modern phenomena as Starbucks' pricing system and Microsoft's stock values. While the concepts explored are those encountered in Microeconomics 101, Harford gracefully explains abstruse ideas like pricing along the demand curve and game theory using real world examples without relying on graphs or jargon. The book addresses free market economic theory, but Harford is not a complete apologist for capitalism; he shows how companies from Amazon.com to Whole Foods to Starbucks have gouged consumers through guerrilla pricing techniques and explains the high rents in London (it has more to do with agriculture than one might think). Harford comes down soft on Chinese sweatshops, acknowledging "conditions in factories are terrible," but "sweatshops are better than the horrors that came before them, and a step on the road to something better." Perhaps, but Harford doesn't question whether communism or a capitalist-style industrial revolution are the only two choices available in modern economies. That aside, the book is unequaled in its accessibility and ability to show how free market economic forces affect readers' day-to-day.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Bookmarks Magazine
Harford exposes the dark underbelly of capitalism in Undercover Economist. Compared with Steven Levitt’s and Stephen J. Dubner’s popular Freakonomics (*** July/Aug 2005), the book uses simple, playful examples (written in plain English) to elucidate complex economic theories. Critics agree that the book will grip readers interested in understanding free-market forces but disagree about Harford’s approach. Some thought the author mastered the small ideas while keeping in sight the larger context of globalization; others faulted Harford for failing to criticize certain economic theories and to ground his arguments in political, organizational structures. Either way, his case studies—some entertaining, others indicative of times to come—will make you think twice about that cup of coffee.
Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.
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★★★★★ 5
Hyper allergic
Scent: Assorted
Hyper allergic! Great bar soap for men.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Smells amazing
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Smells amazing,very happy with this
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Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Our very favorite Christmas book
Format: Hardcover
Absolutely beautiful illustrations. A lovely, sweet, well written story that we literally never tire of. I bought this book for my daughter when she was 5 & she is 7 now. We read this book year round - it is so feel good. Edited 1.5 years later - We still love this book. Never a month passes without reading Dasher, rarely a week. My daughter owns nearly 600 books. She read 40 *new* books in August alone, so we do a whole lot of reading in this house. And we still, time and again, come back to Dasher. We love this book so much that I'm back today to order a copy for a friend's granddaughter. While here to place that order I noticed all the negative reviews and felt the need to address them. I am absolutely astonished at how many people can create something to be offended about where there is nothing. Yes, Dasher & her family start the story in a travelling circus. There are zero descriptions of animal cruelty. There is absolutely nothing dark or scary. My daughter has been homeschooled her entire life & is beyond sheltered. She is gifted-intense, which comes with super emotional sensitivity & big, big feelings. Not only does Dasher not frighten or upset her, it is one of my top go-to books to help soothe her when she is upset about something. As for the ending being confusing, that is hog wash. There is nothing choppy or unclear or confusing in the story. Apparently there are more Grinches running amok in the world than I realized!
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Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2022
★★★★★ 5
The artwork is beautiful
Format: Hardcover
Such a sweet story with beautiful artwork! It is a little on the longer side so may not be good for younger kids with short attention spans
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Reviewed in the United States on March 8, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Wonderful story
Format: Hardcover
My kids loved this story and the art is beautiful.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2026