Book review of The Economics Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained

by DK (Author)

Updated at: 10/01/2025

"The Economics Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained" provides a clear and accessible introduction to the fascinating world of economics. This visually engaging guide from DK expertly simplifies complex concepts, making it perfect for both beginners and those seeking a refresher. Through concise text, insightful charts, and illustrative graphics, the book traces the evolution of economic thought, from the origins of private property to contemporary game theory. Explore key milestones and core principles, presented in an easy-to-understand format that demystifies often-confusing topics. Whether you're a student, curious adult, or seasoned professional, this book offers a vibrant and rewarding journey through some of the greatest ideas in economics.

The Economics Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained (DK Big Ideas)

4.6 / 2,335 ratings

Review The Economics Book

This DK Economics book is a delightful surprise, exceeding my expectations as a retired economics professor. I initially anticipated a rehash of familiar material, but it went far beyond that. While it expertly covers the core concepts I've spent a lifetime teaching and researching, it also expands outward, revealing a rich tapestry of lesser-known details and fascinating connections within the field. The DK presentation style is truly revolutionary – a visually stunning and intricately interconnected approach that I found captivating. Having published 27 textbooks myself (all in print!), I’m now seriously considering converting some of my own work into this engaging DK format. The internal hyperlinking between concepts, figures, and biographical information is particularly impressive. It creates a dynamic learning experience unlike anything I've encountered before.

What sets this book apart is its ingenious use of hyperlinks. Every time a significant economist is mentioned, their name becomes a link to further information, either a short biography or a detailed explanation of their contributions. This not only provides context but also subtly highlights the frequency of certain names, making it clear who the true giants of the field are – Adam Smith and Keynes, rightfully so, in my view. I was pleased to see most Nobel laureates in Economics similarly featured, although the absence of my personal favorite, Lawrence Klein, was a slight disappointment. My admiration for Klein stems from personal interaction—attending his lectures, reading his seminal work on the Keynesian Revolution, and utilizing his iterative solution methods in my own research. He truly deserves a place alongside Tinbergen and Frisch in a book of this scope.

Despite the impressive breadth of coverage, the book's depth might be overwhelming for complete beginners. While it expertly explains core principles, the sheer volume of information included could feel like drinking from a firehose for someone new to economics. Perhaps a more concise version, focusing on key concepts, would better serve introductory learners and those seeking a less intensive overview. The current edition could feel more like an encyclopedia than a simple introductory text, even for experienced professionals. A shorter version would broaden its appeal without sacrificing the core value.

That minor caveat aside, I wholeheartedly recommend this book. The presentation is superb, seamlessly blending historical context with theoretical explanations, making complex ideas surprisingly accessible. The authors effectively weave together different schools of thought, tracing the evolution of economic thinking from early notions of private property to contemporary game theory. I especially appreciate the intuitive explanations and the way the authors bring the human element into the narrative, making the history of economics as engaging as any good story. It's a five-star triumph with a well-deserved laurel wreath.