Principles of Macroeconomics [Paperback]

N. Gregory Mankiw (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0030270170 | ISBN-13: 978-0030270178 | Publication Date: June 2, 2000 | Edition: 002

In writing this textbook, Mankiw has tried to put himself in the position of someone seeing economics for the first time. The author's conversational writing style is superb for presenting the politics and science of economic theories to tomorrow's decision-makers. Because Mankiw wrote it for the students, the book stands out among all other principle texts by intriguing students to apply an economic way of thinking in their daily lives. Receiving such praise as "perhaps the best ever" textbook in economic principles, it's no wonder Mankiw's prize project has quickly become one of the most successful books ever to be published in the college marketplace.

Product Details

• Paperback: 600 pages
• Publisher: South-Western College Pub; 002 edition (June 2, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0030270170
• ISBN-13: 978-0030270178
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 8.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #608,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best Econ textbooks, August 23, 2004

By 

J A W (Norman, OK United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Macroeconomics (Paperback)

I'd recommend this along w/ "The Economic Way of Thinking" by Heyne, as the two best Econ textbooks I've read. Mankiw's book is fair and balanced, he is not a frothing at the mouth partisan, and it is a straightforward explanation of basic economic terms. However, he establishes a handful of core truths that anyone who wishes to understand economics must accept, and if not accept, explain as to why these certain truths don't apply. For example, Mankiw establishes that 1.) free markets work better than regulated markets, 2.) private property and incentives are necessary for productivity 3.) trade makes everyone wealthier.

He does not explain these in a polemical way, but he calmly establishes a solid case for these (and other principles), and despite being fairly standard in economic circles, they are fairly contentious in the realm of political economics and discourse (particularly on the collegiete level, where English Major Marxists think they know more about the social order than those who study the social order). This makes the book more persuasive than a fire and brimstone screed from an Ann Coulter type. Books like this need to be read by all to improve the Economical I.Q. of the voting public.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Principles of Macroeconomics 2nd edition, November 21, 2002

By 

John (Syracuse, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Macroeconomics (Paperback)

I am about the most critical reader you will ever find. There is not one textbook in 50 that I'd likely give a rating above a "C-minus" (or above a 2 of 5 rating). However, I give this textbook an unequivocal A++ (or 5 of 5.) It's as good as it gets for an Introduction to Macroeconomics. It covers all the broad range of basics that you would want for this type of course. It provides you with an extremely clear understanding BEFORE it builds upon that as a new building block towards the next chapter. It also explains these basics to just the perfect level and depth for and introduction level. When you are finished, you will feel very comfortable with how much you are able to comprehend the subject. Mr. Mankiw is clearly one of those few gifted authors who are able to explain topics with such clarity that there will be no misunderstanding at all. He is thorough, clear, and precise. Additionally, he makes a subject that might otherwise seem boring to some, come across as quite interesting. I was so impressed that I sought out the author and informed him just how impressed I was with his ability to convey such understanding. After four years of college textbooks on a multitude of subjects, this is perhaps the best written textbook when it comes to passing on UNDERSTANDING I have ever read. The reader might be surprised just how much he/she has grasped when they are finished. I highly recommend that other colleges adopt this as their primary Intro to Macro Economics textbook as did my college. It appears that Harvard has opted for hiring quality professors (such as Mr. Mankiw) who are gifted in teaching, rather than hiring academicians that communicate without conveying clear comprehension. Again, this book receives my very highest and very enthusiastic recommendations. I can not imagine anyone being disappointed with this book.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Principles Of Macroeconomics, August 26, 2000

By 

Ted (Taipei, Taiwan & Palo Alto, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Principles of Macroeconomics (Paperback)

Indeed a wonderful econ book for all majors! I like especially the chapters on open-economy macroeconomics. However, I do hope to see not only the very illustrative diagrams in the book, but also certain numerical value of the raw data which are used to generate the diagrams. For example, its nice to have the numerical data in Figure 17-2(a) National Saving and Domestic Investment and 17-2(b) Net Foreign Investment so that students can do more precise comparison of the data across different points in time.