Economics of Public Issues, The (14th Edition) [Paperback]

Roger L. Miller (Author), Daniel K. Benjamin (Author), Douglass C. North (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0321303490 | ISBN-13: 978-0321303493 | Publication Date: January 5, 2005 | Edition: 14

For thirteen editions, The Economics of Public Issues has sparked debate and discussion in economics classrooms, vividly illustrating for generations of students the power of economics as a tool for analyzing issues with which they are already familiar. This Fourteenth Edition offers provocative new topics to illustrate economic principles through a contemporary lens. The authors' clear presentation and straightforward applications make the study of economics entertaining and informative. The Economics of Public Issues is an essential source of engaging, relevant readings for a principles of economics course, and an excellent way to spark independent thinking and classroom discussions in political economy, public policy, and social issues courses.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Roger LeRoy Miller received his PhD from the University of Chicago.  He is currently Director of the Institute for University Studies in Arlington, Texas.  Dr. Miller is a legal specialist and author of numerous books on law and the legal environment, including criminal procedure.  In addition, Dr. Miller has authored books on the war on drugs, the economics of crime and criminal behavior, and on related topics.

 

Daniel K. Benjamin - Alumni Distinguished Professor, John E. Walker Department of Economics, Clemson University

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Addison Wesley; 14 edition (January 5, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0321303490
• ISBN-13: 978-0321303493
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #860,007 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Doesn't read like a textbook, December 2, 2006

By 

Brent Royal-Gordon "Perl hacker" (Southern California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Economics of Public Issues, The (14th Edition) (Paperback)

My economics survey course is using this as a supplemental textbook, and I can say that without a doubt it's the most interesting nonfiction text I've ever been assigned.

The book basically consists of about thirty 4-8 page articles on various real-world topics, ranging from the obvious (rent controls, minimum wage) to the exotic (prostitution, global warming). In each case, the authors explain how you can apply economic principles to these issue at hand--and often come to a conclusion that would have surprised you before you read the article, but now seems as obvious as the color of the sky. A lot of the articles are U.S.-centric, but the authors draw on examples from other countries where appropriate.

Our teacher has been assigning a reading every week or so, but I often found myself continuing three or four articles past the assigned one because the topics were so interesting. If your teacher assigned this text, count yourself lucky; if you're looking for some independent reading, take a close look at this book.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for college students, August 29, 2000

By 

"x-tine" (Arlington, TX USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Economics of Public Issues (12th Edition) (Paperback)

The Economics of Public Issues is an enjoyable textbook for the college student. It is perfect for its compact size, yet concise in detail. The topics are very illustrative, and students will find them relevant to today's world.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Decent but Limited, January 13, 2000

By 

David Dodd - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Economics of Public Issues (Paperback)

This is a must read for the layman who doesn't want to read Economics 101. Many politicians and well-intentioned citizens should realize what they're up against when they try to thwart the laws of economics, whether it's the minimum wage, ticket scalping, drugs or abortions. This book explains in clear terms why many laws to regulate these issues are doomed from the start. In addition, this book is a great companion for a macroeconomics course to promote class discussions. However, if you already fully understand the laws of supply and demand, then this book is little more than light reading on a plane, and probably not worth the price. Paul Krugman's, The Accidental Theorist, addresses many of the same issues, is a lot cheaper, and more fun to read.