Customer Reviews

Macroeconomics

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I did a lot of searching for a contemporary intermediate level macroeconomics book. This was the one I bought with my own money, and it was not required for a college course. I had taken some economics courses some time ago and have a strong basis in math and statistics. I checked with many professors and experts in economics, and this was the final selection. Good coverage, exposing old and new ideas, many modern day REAL examples. A keeper.

This was an absolutely excellent textbook on macroeconomics---it presented issues clearly and concisely but not too simplistically. So you never felt you were being babied, yet you never felt intimidated by the pages of graphs and odd vocabulary that economists love. And there were several case studies to help bring the real world to theory, which not only informed the reader better of events surrrounding their lifespans, but also helped illuminate the principles being discussed in the text effectively.

As an instructor of introductory macroeconomics, I often rue the fact that we do not utilize this textbook. I borrow material from it INCESSANTLY and without shame.

It presents the "Keynesian" viewpoint on macroeconomics in an extraordinarily clear and interesting fashion. Frankly, I consider the introductory (read literally - first semester macro books) texts to be a waste of time. There is absolutely no reason this textbook should not be used for a first semester macroeconomics course (assuming one has already taken an introductory microeconomics course).

Suggested plan of study for those interested in a fairly serious study of macroeconomics (without an INSANE amount of mathematical preparation): this book and Barro's book with the same title. Barro's book presents the real business cycle theory approach in a clear manner (though the book is somewhat dull in comparison)...then decide for yourself which 'camp' is making the most sense.

Gregory Mankiw's book is the best source I found for understanding Macroeconomics. He uses the Solow model for the long run, and then moves on to neo-Keynesian models for the short run. Its style is simple, direct, and conversational. The case studies, the examples, the stories and the graphics are extremely useful and even fun to read. If you feel afraid or lazy about Macroeconomics, this is the best book you'll find. You will end up actually liking the subject, a very important one to understand not only if you want to be an economist, but also if you want to understand the most important events going on in the world.

This book explains general topics clearly and quickly, but fails to provide enough pertinent elaboration. Once a chapter's basic points have been presented, Mankiw seems to fill up at least five or six pages with confusing and/or irrelevant discussion.

I took an intermediate macroeconomics course over a six week summer session. Though the class moved (too) quickly, this book helped out a lot. It was clear, concise, and the author provides "case studies" after most sections which show that the concepts and models really do apply to real world situations. Good intermediate macro book.

Clear, stepwise development of economic ideas makes this text very readable.

This is one of the best books ever. Mankiw simplifies a complicated subject into an enjoyable read....I'll recommend this book to anyone who thinks economics is boring (Its really fun).