Customer Reviews

Recessions and Depressions: Understanding Business Cycles

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

 

 

Don't believe it when they say readable. It is not actually UN-readable, but it is hard to believe any "informed general readers" actually make it all the way through. Which is a shame, since this is a very important subject.

Try "The Return of Depression Economics" by Krugman. It covers most of the same ground, and is extremely informative, but does it in a very readable fashion.

"Recessions and Depressions" is a gem of a textbook. It's short and lucid, it combines theory and case studies, and it is refreshingly humble about the limits of economic knowledge. Best of all, the discussion of the role played by banking systems in the onset and propagation of downturns couldn't be more topical. Prospective buyers should know that the analysis is organized around various models of the business cycle (Keynesian, Monetarist, Real Business Cycle, New Keynesian, etc.) While the discussion is never mathematical or otherworldly, anyone who hasn't taken a basic econ class might get lost. However, that's to be expected in a textbook. Highly recommended!

This is by far the best book I have seen on business cycles. Other books are either too handwavy or too abstract and dry. This book is very precise and comprehensive and at the same time very readable and accessible. It is an excellent blend of theory and real world.

The book explains many theories of business cycles. Some of these theories are widely known, while some I have not seen else where. But all are explained very well.

The book also shows how these theories apply to real world events like the Great Depression, the East Asian crisis, the Argentina crisis, and the Japanese depression. All are excellent case studies.

Great Book! This book explains all the major economic theories and then reviews all the major recessions and depressions of the 20th century. It is written well and keeps the reader interested and engaged.

does a good job of explaining in simple terms the effects different financial and economic organizations and markets have on one another. if you've ever been laid off or lost money in the stock market (as i have), this book can help you place your personal loss in the broader context and perhaps anticipate things so that you're better prepared in the future.