Economics is known as the “dismal science” yet I think this description is really quite unfair, especially as our world is currently dominated by economic decisions. Having a basic knowledge of economics helps keep you up to date in the world and understanding the decisions that modern world leaders are making- I see nothing dreary in that. Another bonus of understanding economics is that there are plenty of well paid jobs that lead on from it- particularly relevant to younger readers.

This list of economics books contains some fantastic reads and many that are thoroughly interesting.

Freakonomics: A rogue economist explores the hidden side of everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Freakonomics is a fantastic introduction to the subject, as it applies economic principles to really interesting and everyday examples. For example the authors explain the economics behind why it isn’t in your agent’s interest to get the highest price possible for your house, and the economics of a crack den! The varied examples make this a fantastic book that uses economics in its rawest sense- the science behind decision making. There is nothing about sovereign debt crises or GDP growth rates- just a really interesting book that teaches you to look at economics and indeed the world in a very different way.

The Return of Depression Economics by Paul Krugman

The return of depression economics talks about the various financial crises that have struck the world over the last few decades and presents some of the arguments behind our current financial difficulties. You don’t have to be a graduate to read this either- a basic knowledge is useful but Krugman uses useful examples such as baby sitting syndicates to highlight the real causes of a financial crisis and its solutions. Maybe his conclusions on the best courses of action do not exactly mirror my own, but then again Europe is exposed to a sovereign debt crisis and the US isn’t. Anyway questioning the author is as much more important part of learning than absorbing information.- a great book.

Economics for Dummies by Sean Masaki Flynn

Whilst you are in no way a dummy for reading this book, it does give you a really good way of understanding basic economics. When economic headlines are dominating many major newspapers, understanding something about economics will bring you up to speed with politics as well as helping you in your own business life.