Oxford India Paperbacks
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This is a book of academic asides, of reportage from, in, and around the world of research and academia. From Simone de Beauvoir to Joseph Schumpeter, from evolutionary scientists in Abisko (above the arctic Circle) to social choice theorists in Valencia or the Mediterranean, this book is an irreverent traverse over a large canvas. Woven into the fabric of these light essays are observations on economic dilemmas and philosophical conundrums that confront everyone, everday. In addition, there are chapters devoted explicitly to economics. In keeping with the style of the book, these combine arguments with comments on personalities and places as well as constitute a jargon-free introduction to some of the more pressing economic-policy problems of our times. Like his earlier Economic Graffiti (Oxford India Paperbacks), this book of sharp, wry, witty and precisely observed sketches will seem a delight most specially to general readers who don't normally by books by economists.
In any country, one of the prerequisites for successful economic policy-making is a minimal economic literacy among its citizenry. This selection of popular essays in economics is a contribution towards bringing the ideas of economics within the reach of the general reader. In characteristically lively and readable style, free of jargon and ambiguity, the author writes on subjects of Indian and international concern. The themes vary widely - from the sections on economists and opinions, and methodological issues, to essays on practical matters like budgets and fiscal policy, inflation, infrastructural bottlenecks, trade and international credit. Particularly thought provoking are the author's views on corruption, which can be a complex and interesting subject of study for social scientists. The book is aimed at anyone with an interest in economic issues.