What do you think?
Rate this book
Introducing Graphic Guides
الاقتصاد - مقدمات، الدليل المصور
يقودُ تقديم العلامة التجارية الجديدة إلى الموضوع الذي من شأنه حقاً أن يجعل العالم يستمر. في عام 1935، وصفَ الاقتصادي البريطاني ليونيل روبينس علم الاقتصاد بأنه «علم النُدرة»، بيد أنه الآن في كل مكان، ولم يكن أكثر شيوعاً من قبل كحاله اليوم؛ ويشهدُ على ذلك كتاب Freakanomics الذي حقّق أعلى المبيعات. ولكن، ما هو علم الاقتصاد حقاً؟ بماذا يفكّر كبار الاقتصاديين، وما الذي يستطيع علم الاقتصاد أن يفعله من أجلنا اليوم؟ يوضّح ديفيد أوريل، مؤلف كتاب Economyths، كل ما يتعلّق بتقديم العلامة التجارية بصورة ذكية وبارعة، مصحوباً برسوم توضيحية عبقرية بيد الأسطورة بورين فان لون. ديفيد أوريل: عالم رياضيات كندي يعيشُ في أكسفورد؛ حيثُ حاز على شهادة الدكتوراه. وبرز عمله في تنبؤ الأنظمة المُعقّدة على غرار الطقس وعلم الوراثة والاقتصاد في نيو ساينتست New Scientist وصحيفة فايننشال تايمز وراديو بي بي سي وتلفزيون سي بي سي. كتابه السابق هو Economyths والذي نشرته دار ICON في عام 2010. بورين فان لوُن: فنان سوريالي في الكاريكاتير والكولاج، وهذا هو الكتاب السادس عشر المصور له.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
1580 people are currently reading
815 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 24, 2020
This is not Economics. This was a history of Economics. Now you see, I didn't know that before I picked it up. Also, it was free for prime users. Why do I keep falling for free stuff? Haven't I learned anything?
Read
September 9, 2020This being a book written by an economist and having a title like it has, I expected what I - with my admittedly limited knowledge about the subject - considered to be the basics of economics and so, wanted to learn - supply, demand, interest rates, growth, GDP, capitalism, communism, etc. But, this isn’t that book.
I think a better title for this book would be “Introducing Economic Uncertainty” and this is because what I saw was a series of brief summaries (nothing wrong with that approach given the nature of the book) about economic hypotheses written over the last 2000 odd years and how all of them have gotten it so wrong. My understanding is, the book tries to prove (successfully, in my opinion) that economics isn’t an exact science and we’ll never know about economic ideas (what the role of government regulation is, market booms/busts, stock market predictions) with the same certainty as the science behind gravity; because unlike gravity, economics is entirely based on matters of the heart - greed, risk averseness, how “philanthropic” a company and its shareholders feel any given year, how a leader feels about globalization among other things and it is impossible to put forth a theory that explains this on a personal, social, cultural, national and international level and anything that falls short of this is bound to be wrong for the same reason. And if we could come up with such a theory, we wouldn’t need psychology and philosophy anymore.
So, the big takeaway “for me” - when considering economic ideas, do so with a big jar of salt.
I think a better title for this book would be “Introducing Economic Uncertainty” and this is because what I saw was a series of brief summaries (nothing wrong with that approach given the nature of the book) about economic hypotheses written over the last 2000 odd years and how all of them have gotten it so wrong. My understanding is, the book tries to prove (successfully, in my opinion) that economics isn’t an exact science and we’ll never know about economic ideas (what the role of government regulation is, market booms/busts, stock market predictions) with the same certainty as the science behind gravity; because unlike gravity, economics is entirely based on matters of the heart - greed, risk averseness, how “philanthropic” a company and its shareholders feel any given year, how a leader feels about globalization among other things and it is impossible to put forth a theory that explains this on a personal, social, cultural, national and international level and anything that falls short of this is bound to be wrong for the same reason. And if we could come up with such a theory, we wouldn’t need psychology and philosophy anymore.
So, the big takeaway “for me” - when considering economic ideas, do so with a big jar of salt.
March 6, 2018
Good History But Not Much Economics
I read the Graphic Guide on quantum physics and thought it was excellent. It presented difficult concepts in simple terms, and I actually learned something about the subject. This book on economics completely missed the mark, in my opinion. All through the book I kept waiting for the author to delve into economic concepts, but all he did was skim the surface and present a brief historical outline. When I got to the last page, I couldn't believe it was the end. It was very disappointing. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
I read the Graphic Guide on quantum physics and thought it was excellent. It presented difficult concepts in simple terms, and I actually learned something about the subject. This book on economics completely missed the mark, in my opinion. All through the book I kept waiting for the author to delve into economic concepts, but all he did was skim the surface and present a brief historical outline. When I got to the last page, I couldn't believe it was the end. It was very disappointing. I would not recommend this book to anyone.
May 4, 2018
كتاب رائع ولو التقينا بأيام الدراسة لأختلفت نظرتي عن علم الاقتصاد وتخصصته 😅! يتحدث بشكل مختصر عن اهم المصطلحات والمفاهيم في علم الاقتصاد بطريقة جميلة وبتسلسل زمني رائع
May 13, 2016
Concise and quick summary of the history of economics. Lots of jargon which is a drawback
April 16, 2023
This year, I have kept my reading at a slower pace.
Wealth, Economy is an essential subject among Tamils.
Besides there's social-class, which most Tamils are religiously interested.
I wish, they discussed things with open heart and learn from other societies -- Why?
We would benefit from new ideas, discussions, to improve Tamil Society.
Why not ask, What is the function of all this?
I appreciate this work as it gives schools of thought in Economics from basics.
I was in awe as I kept following through economic writers, and their work.
From the beginning, Agriculturalist, Merchants, Artisans -- I could make sense of how people formulated their definition of National Wealth.
From Mercantalism towards Adam Smith's Free-Market, David Ricardo's Comparative Advantage, where trade can be win-win, enriching both countries, who are trading with each other.
When I went through Malthus, I kept wondering, how was he wrong?
He predicted, we won't have enough food to meet demand of growing population.
However, he failed to account for technological and social improvements.
Furthermore, I now see how early Physiocrats believed, they believed economy was flow of blood like the human body, quite interesting! They formed first Economic group.
They described early macro-economics --How money flowed between the three classes of farmers, proprietors, and artisans, in the same mechanical way that blood flows between different organs.
I learnt more about David Ricardo and corn laws - I wonder, what kind of legislative laws are there in Tamil Nadu?
I also came across South Sea Bubble, it seems to repeat into modern times, interesting to learn, What happened?
While, Everyone has come across Marx and Engel, I didn't know Engel was part of a Wealthy Business Family, he noticed the poor condition of working class, that was surprising to me.
I did see the work missing Frédéric Bastiat, Friedrich List et al.
Greatly, appreciated this work, which distilled basic journey of economic schools of thought.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
Wealth, Economy is an essential subject among Tamils.
Besides there's social-class, which most Tamils are religiously interested.
I wish, they discussed things with open heart and learn from other societies -- Why?
We would benefit from new ideas, discussions, to improve Tamil Society.
Why not ask, What is the function of all this?
I appreciate this work as it gives schools of thought in Economics from basics.
I was in awe as I kept following through economic writers, and their work.
From the beginning, Agriculturalist, Merchants, Artisans -- I could make sense of how people formulated their definition of National Wealth.
From Mercantalism towards Adam Smith's Free-Market, David Ricardo's Comparative Advantage, where trade can be win-win, enriching both countries, who are trading with each other.
When I went through Malthus, I kept wondering, how was he wrong?
He predicted, we won't have enough food to meet demand of growing population.
However, he failed to account for technological and social improvements.
Furthermore, I now see how early Physiocrats believed, they believed economy was flow of blood like the human body, quite interesting! They formed first Economic group.
They described early macro-economics --How money flowed between the three classes of farmers, proprietors, and artisans, in the same mechanical way that blood flows between different organs.
I learnt more about David Ricardo and corn laws - I wonder, what kind of legislative laws are there in Tamil Nadu?
I also came across South Sea Bubble, it seems to repeat into modern times, interesting to learn, What happened?
While, Everyone has come across Marx and Engel, I didn't know Engel was part of a Wealthy Business Family, he noticed the poor condition of working class, that was surprising to me.
I did see the work missing Frédéric Bastiat, Friedrich List et al.
Greatly, appreciated this work, which distilled basic journey of economic schools of thought.
Deus Vult,
Gottfried
March 11, 2018
A good, although too short, intro into economics.
December 6, 2019
كتاب لا بأس به للمبتدئين في علم الإقصاد، غير أنه غير كافي، لعله يشبه مقتطفات سريعة عن موضوعات الإقصاد كتلك الموجودة في الأسطر الأولى من مقالات ويكيبيديا مع توشيتها ببعض الرسومات الظريفة، كما أن التواريخ المرفقة مع الرسومات تظهر مقلوبة في النسخة العربية (٧٨٩١) مما قد يسبب الإرباك نوعا ما ..
July 9, 2024
Introduction
What a great little introduction to the history and development of the science of economics. I love this series of books
What a great little introduction to the history and development of the science of economics. I love this series of books
January 16, 2018
This is not, technically speaking, an introduction to Economics proper, but a brief overview of the history of economic thought (one only needs to read the "Further Reading" section to figure as much), focusing on major developments that have either stood the test of time, or have proved influential in certain circles. The author, while decidedly heterodox, rarely, if ever, indulges in giving an exposition of his own ideas. I would venture to say this slim volume makes for an ok companion to Heilbroner's The Worldly Philosophers
October 26, 2016
مقدمة مبهمة في تاريخ علم الاقتصاد... غير كافية وفائدتها محدودة...
June 21, 2025
This was entertaining and thought-provoking. My biggest criticism might have to do with format: while reading the ebook, I often wanted to flip back for an overview or timeline (which would have helped). David Orrell's illustrated history of economic thought from ancient times to today is sweeping, and I mean that as a compliment, but it's a short enough summary that you might want more of an anchor - say, episodic or sensory - for each development. The cartoons and diagrams and quote bubbles help, but I kept reaching for something else to reorient myself and keep the personalities and schools of thought straight. It's worth repeating that a paper copy to flip through physically might address this, but I can't say. A literal timeline (or mind map) would also have helped.
Reading this was a prelude to the same author's influential book Economyths, which I'm not far into yet.
I was very pleased to see attention given to ecological economics and complexity science.
In the end, I'd have liked more mathematical depth, but not so much as to bog down the pace (this is subjective and depends on previous experience). I do feel the book does an admirable job of quickly covering the history of the field in a philosophical light, with some words about practical social implications. If you're interested, I'd suggest reading a paper copy and taking notes.
Reading this was a prelude to the same author's influential book Economyths, which I'm not far into yet.
I was very pleased to see attention given to ecological economics and complexity science.
In the end, I'd have liked more mathematical depth, but not so much as to bog down the pace (this is subjective and depends on previous experience). I do feel the book does an admirable job of quickly covering the history of the field in a philosophical light, with some words about practical social implications. If you're interested, I'd suggest reading a paper copy and taking notes.
April 26, 2020
It was highly informative about the history of economic thinking from ancient times to 2010. It is no substitute for reading the actual works if economists. David Orrell the author knows how to make economic concepts readable. He tries to be balanced and does mostly a good job. He shows how science especially mathematics has an influence on the discipline of economics starting with Pythagoreans and their cult of the number. It was interesting to read Copernicus and Newton were interested in economics. Copernicus advised the king of Poland how to manage a currency and Isaac Newton. Orrell gives credit to lesser known economists such as Fleeming Jenkins, the inventor of the supply and demand curves, Marilyn Warring her critique that mainstream economics discounts females contributions such as child bearing and rearing, and Herman Daly; Nicolas Georgescu Rogen and their critique of endless growth models in mainstream economics. There is so much info in this book that can be daunting. This book can be a little wonky at times especially about criticism of different economic models. It cover a decent amount of info. This book is too eurocentric though. 3/5
October 13, 2020
Probably the best of the Graphic Guides books I’ve read. I’m an economist by education (and occasionally by practice), and concentrated my studies in microeconomics. I had (and still have) an interest in the development of economic thought, however, and enjoyed the courses I took in that area. This book, very well written by David Orrell, traces the development of economics from Pythagoras to the early 2000s, and explains key concepts along the way.
You won’t become an economist from reading this book, but you will gain an understanding of its development and key concepts, as well as some of the major conflicts and paradigm shifts along the way.
Of particular interest to me was Mr. Orrell’s inclusión of once-popular theories that faded out or never caught on, but can be seen resurrected somewhat in the cultural upheaval we are experiencing in 2020.
I also appreciated his inclusion of the work of Georgescu-Roegen and others who believed, as I do, that economics is more analogous to the life sciences rather than physics or engineering.
You won’t become an economist from reading this book, but you will gain an understanding of its development and key concepts, as well as some of the major conflicts and paradigm shifts along the way.
Of particular interest to me was Mr. Orrell’s inclusión of once-popular theories that faded out or never caught on, but can be seen resurrected somewhat in the cultural upheaval we are experiencing in 2020.
I also appreciated his inclusion of the work of Georgescu-Roegen and others who believed, as I do, that economics is more analogous to the life sciences rather than physics or engineering.
June 14, 2020
"History of Economics - A Graphic Guide" would have been a more apt title for this book. The book briefly covers major milestones that were observed in applied economics as the field evolved over the centuries. It is interspersed with caricatures of a few renowned economists and a brief gist of the theories/models they proposed. Although many of the previously held theories mentioned in the book have been discarded for falling in step out of contemporary marketplace developments, the book nevertheless serves as a handy guide to someone looking for keywords/ jargon and a list important published works to get started in this field.
The book could have covered more on the influence of non-linear dynamics , game theory and the emergent field of behavioural economics which have been challenging the 'Rational Agent' approach in recent decades, among many other assumptions.
I would rate this book 3.5 starts and may re-read it in future for topic reference.
The book could have covered more on the influence of non-linear dynamics , game theory and the emergent field of behavioural economics which have been challenging the 'Rational Agent' approach in recent decades, among many other assumptions.
I would rate this book 3.5 starts and may re-read it in future for topic reference.
May 4, 2024
Although this was not really what I was expecting, I still enjoyed the content. It was less of an introduction to practical economics, and more a history/timeline of the emergence of economic theories starting at Pythagoras and working it's way through The New Deal Era to more modern takes including Feminist Economics and Ecological Economics. Overall, I found it interesting and more importantly useful to follow the emergence of economic thought. I think it's a good intro for the history of philosophical and political thought around the economy/money. Still, I would have preferred a little more detail as some chapters were essentially a small bio on the person of interest with no real expansion or practical example of their thought.
January 28, 2018
I didn’t know much about economics and hoped this book would, according to its title, introduce me to the topic. However, it’s more of a history than an introduction. The graphics were either quotes from famous economists or dry humor (read: not helpful for people new to the subject). Descriptions were too brief to be well explained. I had to take notes just to retain what I read. This book might be interesting for people well versed in economics, but it shouldn’t be marketed as an introduction or a graphic guide.
May 11, 2019
A History of evolution of the academic field of economics narrated through a glossary of the major terms that each distinct development has given rise to. Not recommended for the absolute beginners as it is a concise summation of the major approaches to the field of economics and not explanatory enough.
A good book to be referred to, while reading major texts of major thinkers as it helps you put them in their broader context. The graphics help enliven the material and contain information that is more than complementary to the text.
A good book to be referred to, while reading major texts of major thinkers as it helps you put them in their broader context. The graphics help enliven the material and contain information that is more than complementary to the text.
May 3, 2020
Economics has perhaps been a little too simplified at times to actually make sense to the beginner reader, but all important names, theories and models have been mentioned, so if the reader's goal is to learn some absolute basics of economics, they can do that. If the goal is to use this as a stepping stone towards further knowledge, it's also good for that - it even has a Further Reading list at the back. If the goal is to use it on its own to learn about economics in a serious way, it's not that.
February 25, 2025
I don't really understand Economics as a subject. This book gave a good overview of the history of economics and mentioned some key ideas. The problem with these quick introductions is that they will inevitably brush off complex topics for the sake of brevity; sometimes I wished that some terms were better explained, but that is for further reading. Overall, this little book managed to show economics as a constantly evolving field: the ending portion of the book explored how Today's classical economics are undergoing a review, with some of its key tenets being questioned.
June 15, 2021
1. The design and print of the book is terrible. It is extremely difficult to read.
2. The content is also useless. I mean, if you haven't read any intro to economics, this book doesn't help because it appears only as a list of names with some vague explanation. If you already know an introduction to the history of economics and basic economics, this book doesn't add much. It is not also funny, although it has some drawing with words in cloud like a comic book.
2. The content is also useless. I mean, if you haven't read any intro to economics, this book doesn't help because it appears only as a list of names with some vague explanation. If you already know an introduction to the history of economics and basic economics, this book doesn't add much. It is not also funny, although it has some drawing with words in cloud like a comic book.
January 6, 2025
If you were expecting illustrations on economic concepts and how the economy works, you're in the wrong place. The book tells economics by showing a series of economic theories in chronological order. An interesting part about the guide is how historical events affect the evolution of economic theories and divide opinions over time. But still, this book would help you pick what economic theory you'd follow.
February 7, 2018
A thumbnail primer on economics
Written for the non- economist the book briefly details the history of economic theory. Hopefully, it will whet appetites for further knowledge of the dismal science which is actually very interesting. A great next step would be Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell.
Written for the non- economist the book briefly details the history of economic theory. Hopefully, it will whet appetites for further knowledge of the dismal science which is actually very interesting. A great next step would be Basic Economics by Thomas Sowell.
May 6, 2020
Der Comic behandelt verschiedene Theorien zur Konjungtur und Wirtschaftsentwicklung im Laufe der Jahrhunderte. Meist geht es um Modelle, die Entwicklung des Marktes zu erklären, teils sind die Modelle philosophisch, manchmal mathematisch. Wer allerdings ein Buch sucht, dass die Wirtschaft erklärt, der ist hier falsch, man sollte schon ein wenig Basiswissen besitzen.
May 12, 2020
Quick introduction to evolution of economic theory
Quick crash course looking into the history and evolution of economic theory. It also captures the different schools of thought and their influence over time on the prevailing economic ideas that influenced government decision making.
Quick crash course looking into the history and evolution of economic theory. It also captures the different schools of thought and their influence over time on the prevailing economic ideas that influenced government decision making.
January 25, 2023
If you went to biz school/econs faculty you’d be disappointed bcs it wasn’t even introductory or on the surface. Good intro to the history, yes, but not even the overview which I was a bit confused as to why since it supposed to be “introductory”. Quite entertaining and a fast read since it’s graphic. It’s a hit or miss with this series since I’ve read a few so far.
March 31, 2024
Quite enjoyed the approach in this one, which presented a number of economics related ideas in a cohesive, historical narrative.
This was a change for me, as often these ideas are presented in an ad-hoc manner as distinct topics instead of a continuous stream of ideas evolving towards the current status quo regarding the economic orthodoxy.
This was a change for me, as often these ideas are presented in an ad-hoc manner as distinct topics instead of a continuous stream of ideas evolving towards the current status quo regarding the economic orthodoxy.
August 2, 2024
Thankfully for me, this was more of a history of economics rather than a strict guide to how economics work. I love any sort of history, so I was pleasantly surprised. Overall, I think the author did a good job of summarizing the timeline of econ. Sometimes the pictures helped with understanding and sometimes they didn't seem to do anything to clarify the point the author was making.
August 2, 2025
I agree with what others have to say about this book.
The book is an easy introduction into economics, and it goes through the history of economics in high details.
I wouldn’t say there’s much to be applied in today’s world, but it’s good to learn and understand the theories and origin of economics.
An easy read overall, and it keeps my brain active.
The book is an easy introduction into economics, and it goes through the history of economics in high details.
I wouldn’t say there’s much to be applied in today’s world, but it’s good to learn and understand the theories and origin of economics.
An easy read overall, and it keeps my brain active.
April 4, 2018
Econopoetry
This is the third book I've started and the second I've finished. Even though this book could be read in one sitting, I had to take breaks because one page could sometimes inspire for lengthy philosophical moments. Its like poetry meets science guides.
This is the third book I've started and the second I've finished. Even though this book could be read in one sitting, I had to take breaks because one page could sometimes inspire for lengthy philosophical moments. Its like poetry meets science guides.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews