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Economics Books

Dive into the dynamic world of economics with our wide array of books in the Economics collection. From global financial systems to local economic policies, our selection offers insights by leading economists and scholars.
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The Video Game Theory Reader
New
Mark J.P. Wolf, Bernard Perron  | Routledge

The Video Game Theory Reader

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 3.66

$8.90

If you've ever been fascinated by how video games evolved from simple amusements to complex storytelling mediums, "The Video Game Theory Reader" is a treasure trove just for you. It dives into the intersection of gaming with society and technology, challenging perceptions and inviting you to think about games beyond the screen. Perfect for those who appreciate video games not just as entertainment, but as a significant cultural influence.
Debt: The First 5,000 Years
New
David Graeber | Melville House

Debt: The First 5,000 Years

$18.90

Goodreads rating: 4.21

$18.90

33% off est. retail
If you've ever felt that there's more to our economy than the cash in our wallets, "Debt: The First 5000 Years" could change the way you see the world. David Graeber doesn't just recount history; he digs deep into the roots of our financial systems and societal norms. Pick up this book, and you might find yourself questioning everything you thought you knew about money, power, and ethics. Perfect for someone who loves to explore alternative perspectives on seemingly fixed systems.
Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies: Migrant Farmworkers in the United States
New
Seth Holmes | University Of California Press

Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies: Migrant Farmworkers in the United States

$9.90

Goodreads rating: 4.28

$9.90

75% off est. retail
"Fresh Fruit, Broken Bodies" offers more than a glimpse into the sacrifices behind our food sources. If you've ever been moved by tales of resilience in the face of systemic injustices, this book's raw and personal storytelling will leave you with a profound understanding of what it truly means to labor at the very beginning of our food chain. Seth Holmes's commitment extends beyond words, directing all proceeds to support the very communities you'll meet within these pages – a testament that this isn't just a book; it's a call to awareness and action.
Water Frontier: Commerce and the Chinese in the Lower Mekong Region, 1750-1880
Li Tana, Nola Cooke  | Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

Water Frontier: Commerce and the Chinese in the Lower Mekong Region, 1750-1880

$29.90 $9.90 67% off

Goodreads rating: 4.67

$29.90 $9.90 67% off

85% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by how trade shapes history, "Water Frontier" might just be your next page-turner. It offers a fresh perspective on Indochina's past, focusing on a time when economic networks transcended national boundaries. Particularly noteworthy is its illumination of the Chinese diaspora's pivotal role in regional trade, making it a compelling read for those interested in the intricate blend of commerce, culture, and migration.
Development and Social Change: A Global Perspective
New
Philip McMichael | Sage Publications, Inc

Development and Social Change: A Global Perspective

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.99

$13.90

80% off est. retail
Development and Social Change: A Global Perspective is a great read for those who seek an in-depth understanding of globalization and its impacts. It provides a world-historical, political, and ecological perspective to situate globalization in the declining fortunes of the postwar development project. The book emphasizes resistance and social movements as actors shaping the meaning and direction of these projects, in addition to building alternatives. The case studies make the intricacies of globalization concrete, meaningful, and clear for students. The book challenges readers to recognize themselves as global citizens whose consumption decisions have real social and ecological implications.
Indian Renaissance: India's Rise After a Thousand Years of Decline
Sanjeev Sanyal | Penguin Books India

Indian Renaissance: India's Rise After a Thousand Years of Decline

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

Goodreads rating: 3.98

$8.90 $4.90 45% off

86% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by the evolution of nations, particularly India's transformation from a land once subjugated to an emerging global power, then Sanjeev Sanyal's "Indian Renaissance" could offer you a profound glimpse into this journey. It's more than history; it's an exploration of India's socio-economic resurgence, making it essential for anyone interested in understanding the current Indian zeitgeist.
Lexus and the Olive Tree
New
Thomas L. Friedman | Harpercollins

Lexus and the Olive Tree

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.61

$8.26

71% off est. retail
If you're intrigued by how interconnected our world has become, Thomas L. Friedman's 'LEXUS AND THE OLIVE TREE' is a must-read. You'll find yourself immersed in a journey through globalization's profound impacts on societies and economies. It's a well-rounded exploration that's just as informative for the financial analyst as it is for the curious layperson—this book lays out the nuts and bolts of our global system, making sense of the complexities that shape our contemporary lives.
Market Society: Markets and Modern Social Theory
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Don Slater, Fran Tonkiss  | Polity

Market Society: Markets and Modern Social Theory

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.83

$13.90

60% off est. retail
If you're keen on understanding how markets shape and are shaped by society, "Market Society" could be the book for you. It's not just about economics; it's a broader take on how markets integrate with social actions and relationships. Plus, it's designed to be accessible, so you don't need to be an academic to digest its insights about the intersection of markets with culture and politics.
Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History
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Sidney W. Mintz | Penguin Books

Sweetness and Power: The Place of Sugar in Modern History

$8.26

Goodreads rating: 3.78

$8.26

68% off est. retail
Diving into "Sweetness and Power" will unravel the surprising ways sugar has shaped our world, intertwining with complex issues like slavery and economic power. It's a fascinating lens through which to view history, offering a nuanced perspective on how a simple craving influenced social structures and dietary patterns. If you're looking to sweeten your historical knowledge with an unconventional story, this book's for you.
Food, Society, and Environment
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Charles L. Harper, Bryan F. Lebeau  | Prentice Hall

Food, Society, and Environment

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$8.90

If you're curious about the intersection of our eating habits with societal shifts and environmental sustainability, "Food, Society, and Environment" might just feed your curiosity. It's not just a narrative of food through the ages - it's an insightful dissection of how our plates reflect and affect the world we live in, from social justice to ecological impacts. For anyone with a hunger for understanding the broader implications of what's on our forks, this book is a hearty meal for thought.
Neoliberalism as Exception : Mutations in Citizenship and Sovereignty - Thryft
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Aihwa Ong | Duke University Press Books

Neoliberalism as Exception : Mutations in Citizenship and Sovereignty

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 3.73

$6.34

This book is a must-read for anyone curious about how neoliberalism shapes the world we live in. Through captivating case studies, Aihwa Ong reveals the surprising ways in which different regimes adapt and manipulate the neoliberal agenda to exert control and compete globally. By shedding light on the exceptions and transformations that occur within governing practices, Ong unravels the complex relationship between power, knowledge, and citizenship. Prepare to question the traditional boundaries of sovereignty and discover the emergence of an interactive mode of citizenship that values marketable skills over national identity.
Anthro-Vision - How Anthropology Can Explain Business And Life - Thryft
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Gillian Tett | Random House Business

Anthro-Vision - How Anthropology Can Explain Business And Life

$6.34

Goodreads rating: 4.02

$6.34

This book could be a good read for anyone curious about the unseen influences that shape our behavior in the corporate world and beyond. Gillian Tett, through the lens of anthropology, exposes the hidden webs of meaning behind our consumer choices and explores the cultural shifts driving sustainable business practices. By weaving anthropology into our lives, this book empowers us to make informed decisions and navigate uncertainty with a fresh perspective.
Why Did The Chicken Cross The World? - Thryft
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Andrew Lawler | Duckworth

Why Did The Chicken Cross The World?

$5.07

Goodreads rating: 3.74

$5.07

69% off est. retail
- This book is a fascinating exploration of the unexpected global impact of chickens. It delves into the history, biology, and cultural significance of these feathered creatures, taking readers on a journey across continents and centuries. You'll be amazed at how something as simple as a chicken has shaped our world in profound ways. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or just curious about our interconnected world, this book is a must-read.
Upheaval : How Nations Cope with Crisis and Change - Thryft
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Jared Diamond | Penguin

Upheaval : How Nations Cope with Crisis and Change

$6.95

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$6.95

"Upheaval" is an informative book that explores how nations cope with crises. Jared Diamond uses real-world examples such as six different modern nations to analyze and understand how they have survived defining catastrophes. The book is filled with valuable lessons for individuals and nations that need to cope with crises. Diamond's personal touch to the book makes it an engaging read that is both informative and inspirational.
From the Soil : The Foundations of Chinese Society - Thryft
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Fei Xiaotong, Gary G. Hamilton, Wang Zheng  | University Of California Press

From the Soil : The Foundations of Chinese Society

$16.12

Goodreads rating: 4.4

$16.12

60% off est. retail
"From the Soil" offers a rare Chinese perspective on the distinguishing traits of Western and Chinese societies through Fei's in-depth analytical approach. This book is perfect for those interested in sociology and history, and seeks a fresh perspective on how society is shaped and organized differently across cultures.
Neoliberalism As Exception - Mutations In Citizenship And Sovereignty - Thryft
Sold out
Aihwa Ong | Duke University Press Books

Neoliberalism As Exception - Mutations In Citizenship And Sovereignty

$5.07

Goodreads rating: 3.73

$5.07

92% off est. retail
This book is a great read for those interested in exploring the changing nature of citizenship and sovereignty in the modern world. Aihwa Ong's analysis of the impact of neoliberalism on immigration and transnational populations offers a fresh perspective on the topic. Ong's writing style is clear and concise, making complex concepts accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Overall, Neoliberalism As Exception is a thought-provoking and insightful work that is highly recommended for anyone interested in the politics of citizenship and sovereignty.
Seeing Like a State : How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed - Thryft
Sold out
James C. Scott | Yale University Press

Seeing Like a State : How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed

$8.31

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$8.31

This book provides a fascinating analysis of how state-led planning can lead to disastrous consequences. It highlights the importance of local knowledge and bottom-up approaches to problem-solving, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the limitations of top-down planning. With a clear and accessible writing style, Seeing Like a State offers an insightful critique of government-led initiatives and their impact on society and the environment.
The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution
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Francis Fukuyama | Profile Books

The Origins of Political Order: From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution

$8.90

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$8.90

66% off est. retail
The Origins of Political Order by Francis Fukuyama is an insightful and comprehensive analysis of the development of political systems throughout history. Fukuyama explores the evolution of political systems, tracing the origins of institutions and ideas that shaped society as we know it today. By examining the paths that different societies have taken, this magisterial study provides readers with a better understanding of the origins of political order and how it affects society today. Readers interested in history, politics and anthropology would find this book informative and thought-provoking.
Why The West Rules - For Now : The Patterns of History and what they reveal about the Future - Thryft
Sold out
Ian Morris | Profile Books Ltd

Why The West Rules - For Now : The Patterns of History and what they reveal about the Future

$9.92

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$9.92

This book is perfect for individuals interested in global politics and world history. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the reasons why the West has been the world leader for over 200 years. Ian Morris presents a unique perspective by drawing on 15,000 years of history to offer fresh insights and predictions about the future. It is a well-researched and fascinating read that sheds light on the dynamics of global superpowers.
The Origins of Political Order : From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution - Thryft
Sold out
Francis Fukuyama | Farrar, Straus And Giroux

The Origins of Political Order : From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution

$8.05 $5.64 30% off

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$8.05 $5.64 30% off

Recommended for history enthusiasts seeking political insight. Provides a broad overview of the development of political institutions from tribal societies to modern states. The book compares the development of political institutions in different parts of the world and provides insight into the challenges faced by developing countries. It also raises questions about the nature of politics and democracy.
The History Of Money - Thryft
Sold out
Jack Weatherford | Crown Currency

The History Of Money

$6.96

Goodreads rating: 3.9

$6.96

Recommended for readers interested in history and economics. It explores the fascinating evolution of currency from primitive forms, such as cowrie shells, to modern forms like electronic cash cards. The author's tour and national radio publicity attest to the book's broad appeal.
Modernity At Large : Cultural Dimensions of Globalization - Thryft
Sold out
Arjun Appadurai | University Of Minnesota Press

Modernity At Large : Cultural Dimensions of Globalization

$9.98 $6.99 30% off

Goodreads rating: 3.88

$9.98 $6.99 30% off

84% off est. retail
"Modernity at Large" is an insightful read for those interested in understanding how globalization and culture play into each other. Arjun Appadurai examines the current epoch of globalization and looks at popular consumption patterns, debates about multiculturalism, and ethnic violence through a unique cultural lens. The book examines how images are circulated internationally through the media and how they are borrowed in unexpected ways. If you are interested in globalization and cultural studies, this book is for you.
Worlding Cities : Asian Experiments and the Art of Being Global - Thryft
Sold out
Aihwa Ong, Ananya Roy  | Wiley-blackwell

Worlding Cities : Asian Experiments and the Art of Being Global

$11.71

Goodreads rating: 4.06

$11.71

Worlding Cities provides a unique perspective on urban development in Asia, highlighting the connections between different models of urbanization. The book offers a new theoretical framework for understanding urbanization, expanding on the themes of capital and culture. It includes contributions from a diverse range of scholars, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Asian urbanism. Readers will gain valuable insights into how references to Asian power, success, and hegemony shape urban development and politics.
The Origins of Political Order : From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution - Thryft
Sold out
Francis Fukuyama | Profile Books

The Origins of Political Order : From Prehuman Times to the French Revolution

$9.24

Goodreads rating: 4.18

$9.24

58% off est. retail
This book would be a good read for someone who wants to understand the historical and political origins of current political affairs. Fukuyama provides a comprehensive analysis of the development of political order, drawing from different disciplines such as economics, anthropology and geography. His insightful perspectives on the evolution of human societies and politics, make the book an essential guide for anyone interested in political science and history.
Humankind : A Hopeful History - Thryft
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Rutger Bregman | Bloomsbury

Humankind : A Hopeful History

$5.07

Goodreads rating: 4.33

$5.07

It's a belief that unites the left and right, psychologists and philosophers, writers and historians. It drives the headlines that surround us and the laws that touch our lives. From Machiavelli to Hobbes, Freud to Dawkins, the roots of this belief have sunk deep into Western thought. Human beings, we're taught, are by nature selfish and governed by self-interest.Humankind makes a new argument: that it is realistic, as well as revolutionary, to assume that people are good. The instinct to cooperate rather than compete, trust rather than distrust, has an evolutionary basis going right back to the beginning of Homo sapiens. By thinking the worst of others, we bring out the worst in our politics and economics too.In this major book, internationally bestselling author Rutger Bregman takes some of the world's most famous studies and events and reframes them, providing a new perspective on the last 200,000 years of human history. From the real-life Lord of the Flies to the Blitz, a Siberian fox farm to an infamous New York murder, Stanley Milgram's Yale shock machine to the Stanford prison experiment, Bregman shows how believing in human kindness and altruism can be a new way to think – and act as the foundation for achieving true change in our society.It is time for a new view of human nature.
Guns, Germs, and Steel : The Fates of Human Societies - Thryft
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Jared Diamond | W.w. Norton & Company, Inc.

Guns, Germs, and Steel : The Fates of Human Societies

$10.93

Goodreads rating: 4.04

$10.93

This is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the interconnectedness of geography and history. Jared Diamond tackles the immense question of why some societies thrived while others struggled, and his insights are both captivating and enlightening. Guns, Germs, and Steel not only challenges long-held beliefs about racial superiority but also provides a compelling explanation of how geography and environmental factors have shaped our modern world. Engagingly written and thoroughly researched, this Pulitzer Prize-winning book will change the way you perceive human societies.
Seeing like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed - Thryft
Sold out
James C. Scott | Yale University Press

Seeing like a State: How Certain Schemes to Improve the Human Condition Have Failed

$13.72

Goodreads rating: 4.2

$13.72

Compulsory ujamaa villages in Tanzania, collectivization in Russia, Le Corbusier’s urban planning theory realized in Brasilia, the Great Leap Forward in China, agricultural "modernization" in the Tropics—the twentieth century has been racked by grand utopian schemes that have inadvertently brought death and disruption to millions. Why do well-intentioned plans for improving the human condition go tragically awry?In this wide-ranging and original book, James C. Scott analyzes failed cases of large-scale authoritarian plans in a variety of fields. Centrally managed social plans misfire, Scott argues, when they impose schematic visions that do violence to complex interdependencies that are not—and cannot—be fully understood. Further, the success of designs for social organization depends upon the recognition that local, practical knowledge is as important as formal, epistemic knowledge. The author builds a persuasive case against "development theory" and imperialistic state planning that disregards the values, desires, and objections of its subjects. He identifies and discusses four conditions common to all planning disasters: administrative ordering of nature and society by the state; a "high-modernist ideology" that places confidence in the ability of science to improve every aspect of human life; a willingness to use authoritarian state power to effect large- scale interventions; and a prostrate civil society that cannot effectively resist such plans.
Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive
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Jared Diamond | Penguin Books

Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Survive

$13.90

Goodreads rating: 3.93

$13.90

"Collapse" isn't just about the past; it's a thoughtful exploration of the patterns that have led societies to their zenith and their nadir. You'll be taken on a global tour of history, learning from the lessons etched in the remains of once-great civilizations. As you delve into these narratives, you may find yourself pondering the sustainability of our own society. It's a compelling read for those who enjoy history with a side of existential inquiry.
Argonauts of the Western Pacific; an Account of Native Enterprise and Adventure in the Archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea. - Thryft
Sold out
Bronisław Malinowski, James George Frazer  | Benediction Classics

Argonauts of the Western Pacific; an Account of Native Enterprise and Adventure in the Archipelagoes of Melanesian New Guinea.

$3.58

Goodreads rating: 3.74

$3.58

"Argonauts of the Western Pacific" is widely regarded as a masterpiece of anthropology. Through it Malinowski became one of the best-known anthropologists in the world in the 1920's. Malinowski's reading of "The Golden Bough" introduced him to anthropology, so it is fitting that this edition is prefaced by Sir James George Frazer. COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED: contains the full text of "Argonauts of the Western Pacific" including preface, illustrations and index.
Why The West Rules - For Now : The Patterns of History and what they reveal about the Future - Thryft
Sold out
Ian Morris | Profile Books Ltd

Why The West Rules - For Now : The Patterns of History and what they reveal about the Future

$10.80

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$10.80

In the middle of the eighteenth century, British entrepreneurs unleashed the astounding energies of steam and coal and the world changed forever. Factories, railways and gunboats then propelled the West's rise to power, and computers and nuclear weapons in the twentieth century secured its global supremacy. Today, however, many worry that the emergence of China and India spell the end of the West as a superpower.How long will the power of the West last? In order to find out we need to know: why has the West been so dominant for the past two hundred years?With flair and authority, historian and achaeologist Ian Morris draws uniquely on 15,000 years of history to offer fresh insights on what the future will bring. Deeply researched and brilliantly argued, Why The West Rules - For Now is a gripping and truly original history of the world.
Shutting Out the Sun : How Japan Created Its Own Lost Generation - Thryft
Sold out
Michael Zielenziger | Nan A. Talese

Shutting Out the Sun : How Japan Created Its Own Lost Generation

$10.01

Goodreads rating: 3.58

$10.01

The world’s second-wealthiest country, Japan once seemed poised to overtake America. But its failure to recover from the economic collapse of the early 1990s was unprecedented, and today it confronts an array of disturbing social trends. Japan has the highest suicide rate and lowest birthrate of all industrialized countries, and a rising incidence of untreated cases of depression. Equally as troubling are the more than one million young men who shut themselves in their rooms, withdrawing from society, and the growing numbers of “parasite singles,” the name given to single women who refuse to leave home, marry, or bear children.In Shutting Out the Sun , Michael Zielenziger argues that Japan’s rigid, tradition-steeped society, its aversion to change, and its distrust of individuality and the expression of self are stifling economic revival, political reform, and social evolution. Giving a human face to the country’s malaise, Zielenziger explains how these constraints have driven intelligent, creative young men to become modern-day hermits. At the same time, young women, better educated than their mothers and earning high salaries, are rejecting the traditional path to marriage and motherhood, preferring to spend their money on luxury goods and travel.Smart, unconventional, and politically controversial, Shutting Out the Sun is a bold explanation of Japan’s stagnation and its implications for the rest of the world.
Why The West Rules - For Now : The Patterns of History and what they reveal about the Future - Thryft
Sold out
Ian Morris | Profile Books

Why The West Rules - For Now : The Patterns of History and what they reveal about the Future

$8.48

Goodreads rating: 4.11

$8.48

There are two broad schools of thought on why the West rules. Proponents of 'Long-Term Lock-In' theories such as Jared Diamond suggest that from time immemorial, some critical factor - geography, climate, or culture perhaps - made East and West unalterably different, and determined that the industrial revolution would happen in the West and push it further ahead of the East. But the East led the West between 500 and 1600, so this development can't have been inevitable; and so proponents of 'Short-Term Accident' theories argue that Western rule was a temporary aberration that is now coming to an end, with Japan, China, and India resuming their rightful places on the world stage. However, as the West led for 9,000 of the previous 10,000 years, it wasn't just a temporary aberration. So, if we want to know why the West rules, we need a whole new theory. Ian Morris, boldly entering the turf of Jared Diamond and Niall Ferguson, provides the broader approach that is necessary, combining the textual historian's focus on context, the anthropological archaeologist's awareness of the deep past, and the social scientist's comparative methods to make sense of the past, present and future - in a way no one has ever done before.

Unlock the World of Economics

At Thryft, our Economics collection opens up pathways to understanding complex economic theories and real-world applications. Whether you’re interested in microeconomics, macroeconomics, or behavioural economics, our carefully curated selection is designed to enrich your knowledge. Discover works from Nobel laureates and renowned economists that are essential for students, professionals, and enthusiasts who crave a deeper understanding of the economy.