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Introductory Book Suggestions?

  • 26-04-2009 8:47pm
    #1
    rjt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 219 ✭✭


    I'd like to have a basic understanding of economics, mainly in relation to economic policies in Ireland. Basically I'd like to be a more informed voter, but I also think I'd find economics interesting. Does anyone have any book suggestions? Keep in mind I know practically nothing about economics, although I'm a maths student so I wouldn't mind if the book was maths-intensive. Someone suggested "The Economy of Ireland" in the Economics Resources thread above, but I'm not sure if it'd go over my head.


Comments

  • #2
    Jonathan
    Moderators, Education Moderators, Home & Garden Moderators Posts: 8,259 Mod ✭✭✭✭Jonathan


    How introductory are you talking? Leaving Cert?

    I had this book. I found it rather good.

    Modern Economics Leaving Certificate – Keith Spencer & Daniel McCarthy


  • #3
    rjt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 219 ✭✭rjt


    Jonathan wrote: »
    How introductory are you talking? Leaving Cert?

    I had this book. I found it rather good.

    Modern Economics Leaving Certificate – Keith Spencer & Daniel McCarthy

    Well, I didn't do it for leaving cert, so possibly. Is LC economics basically a prerequisite for any college level book?


  • #4
    Économiste Monétaire
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,208 ✭✭✭Économiste Monétaire


    You could pick up The Economy of Ireland without reading any theory books beforehand. Greg Mankiw's Principles of Economics could compliment the other book, and use it as a reference guide.

    No, leaving-cert books are not required. Third level introductory economics assumes no prior knowledge. Mankiw's book, for example, starts from scratch.


  • #5
    rjt
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 219 ✭✭rjt


    Économiste Monétaire wrote: »
    You could pick up The Economy of Ireland without reading any theory books beforehand. Greg Mankiw's Principles of Economics could compliment the other book, and use it as a reference guide.

    No, leaving-cert books are not required. Third level introductory economics assumes no prior knowledge. Mankiw's book, for example, starts from scratch.

    Great, and there are plenty of copies of both of those in the library. Cheers!


  • #6
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 5,589 ✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    rjt wrote: »
    Great, and there are plenty of copies of both of those in the library. Cheers!

    Yep. Both are really standard so should be in a library.

    If you want a good introduction to recent events:
    Charles Kindleberger - Manias, Panics and Crashes is an excellent (if a little dated!) read.
    Also, The Subprime Crises (not Irish but still interesting) by Robert Shiller and Animal Spirits are two excellent books. I haven't read the latter but I've heard good things.


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  • #7
    dan719
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1,597 ✭✭✭dan719


    I'll give you Economy of Ireland and Parkin/Powell/Matthews Economics (Introduction to Economics course in JF) if you want ?

    Also would reccomend some of the 'quirky' popeconomics books such as Freakonomics and the Undercover Economist for some light reading.

    P.S Are you really that bored already with exemptions?:p

    Also, it being so close to exams, can't imagine there are that many in the library now.


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