This text conveys the principles of macroeconomics in a superb conversational style that engages students in the material unlike any other text. By appealing to students' interests and language; using familiar stories, illustrations, and scenarios and a direct-to-student writing style; and a narrative built on questions, the distance is lessened between the student and the unfamiliar concepts of economics. The book also maintains a focus on presenting basic concepts in depth and developing economic analysis step-by-step, rather than covering hundreds of topics superficially. With this book, students are discouraged from simply memorizing facts and are engaged in active learning.
Fred Monroe Gottheil (1931-2016) was a Professor of Economics at the University of Illinois from 1959 to 2014, Professor Emeritus after his retirement, and director of the University's Center for Economic Education. His research focused on Marxian economics, the economics of the Middle East, and the oil industry.