UNDERCOVER ECONOMIST

The hugely popular economist sold over one million copies of this book which exposes why the rich are rich, the poor or poor, and why you can never buy a decent used car. Part exposé of the economic principles lurking behind daily events, his book explains everything from traffic jams to high coffee prices and why the gap between rich and poor nations is so great. Harford ranges from Africa, Asia, Europe and the US to reveal how supermarkets, airlines and coffee chains to name are few are vacuuming money from our wallets. He punctures the myths surrounding some of today's biggest controversies including high cost healthcare and why certain environmental laws can put a smile on a landlord's face. He covers scare resources, market power, efficiency, price gouging, market failure, inside information, why there is a Starbucks on every corner and how not to get duped at an auction. Find out why it is difficult to get a foot on the property ladder or where banks went wrong. A brilliantly enjoyable book which illuminates every aspect of the world we inhabit. 368pp in updated second edition, paperback.