Book

Backhouse, Roger E. The Ordinary Business of Life: A History of Economics from the Ancient World to the Twenty-First Century. Princeton Univ. Press.

Policy: “a commendable introduction to the historical context of modern economics…Perhaps the main value of the book is to dispel the widely held notion that economics is some late-20th century theoretical scourge divorced from practical relevance…Brevity leaves Backhouse with little room for his own interpretative interventions. Some of those that do find their way into the book are wide of the mark…” Region: “diversions are prevalent throughout the book and prove valuable; Backhouse has apparently left few stones unturned in his attempt to tell a story about the development of economic ideas…You don’t have to be an economist or social scientist of another stripe to benefit from this instructive, well-reasoned and tightly written synthesis of economic thought." Library Journal: "clear analysis...a well-integrated, thoughtful, accessible text that makes a major contribution to the history and philosophy of economics...recommended for all academic and public libraries." Kirkus Reviews: "This compact study gives an accomplished and remarkably comprehensive overview of an often arcane field of inquiry. The Economist: "Largely successful..." Choice: "A readable and enjoyable volume accessible to a broad audience, and of considerable value and interest to professional economists. Booklist: “A scholarly book that will have appeal to well-read library patrons within the general population.”