Using his deep historical knowledge and intelligent, humorous writing, and ignoring the conventions of traditional economic writing, renowned economist Ha-Joon Chang reveals in this book what economics is, why it matters, and how it affects our daily lives.

Unlike many economists who present one-sided perspectives in their textbooks, based on their own doctrines, Chang presents a wide range of economic theories, from classical to Keynesian, and reveals that each has its own points, its strengths and weaknesses, and answers the question: Why isn't there a single way to explain economics? Chang thus provides us with the tools necessary to understand our contemporary world, which is often driven exclusively by economic motives, highlighting economics as a social, not a mathematical, science.

From the future of the Eurozone to social inequality in China to the state of American industry, from Adam Smith to Joseph Stiglitz, Marx, Keynes, and dozens of others, "The Beginner's Guide to Economics" presents a clear and accurate picture of how the global economy actually works.