This book provides a comprehensive overview of the development of economics from its beginnings, at the end of the Middle Ages, up to contemporary developments. It is strong on contemporary theory, providing extensive coverage of the twentieth century, particularly since the Second World War. The second edition has been revised and updated to take account of new developments in economic thought.
Ernesto Screpanti (b. 1948) is a professor of Political Economy who worked in various universities, like Trento, Florence, Trieste, Parma, New York, Rio de Janeiro, Siena. He did research in the “rethinking Marxism” scientific programme, in the attempt to update Marxist analysis by bringing it in line with the reality of contemporary capitalism, on the one hand, and to liberate Marxism from any residue of Hegelian metaphysics, Kantian ethics and economic determinism, on the other.
A well balanced survey of Western Economic thought. The book is divided into chapters based on different historical periods, and each chapter starts with a bit of a background about that period. All of the major economical writers are dealt with necessary rigor, and some of their key ideas and works are highlighted.
Some amount of familiarity of economic theory is expected from the reader. If you don't have a background in economics, I would recommend picking a more beginner-friendly book (like the worldly philosopher).