What happens in a recession? How does money work? Why do we pay taxes? Economics affects every aspect of our lives, from how we get to work to where we spend our money--and big economic ideas continue to shape the world. Written in plain English, The Economics Book is packed with short, pithy explanations that cut through the jargon, step-by-step diagrams that untangle knotty theories, classic quotes that economics memorable, and witty illustrations that enhance and play with our understanding of economics.