The Undercover Economist

"Harford writes like a dream — and is also one of the leading economic thinkers of his generation. From his book ! found out why there"s a Starbucks on every corner, what Bob Geldof needs to learn to make development aid work properly, and how not to get duped in an auction. Reading The Undercover Economistis like spending an ordinary day wearing X-ray goggles" DAVID BODANIS, AUTHOR OF ELECTRIC UNIVERSE AND E-MC2 Ever wondered why the gap between rich and poor nations is so great, or why its so difficult to get a foot on the property ladder, or where the banks went wrong? This book offers the hidden story behind these and other forces that shape our day-to-day lives, often without our knowing ít. "Lively and witty . . . After reading this book a trip to the supermarket is an entirely different experience" THE TIMES "A playful guide to the economics of everyday life" THE ECONOMIST "As Tim Harford demonstrates brilliantly in this enjoyable book, the powerful underlying ideas of economics can, in the hands of the right person, illuminate every aspect of the world we inhabit MARTIN WOLF, AUTHOR OF WHY GLOBALIZATION WORKS