We've asked some of the most eminent public figures and theorists to recommend economics books for Five Books. Robert Shiller (2013 Nobel economics prize) chose books on 'Human Traits Essential to Capitalism'. Paul Krugman (Nobel 2008) talked about the books that inspired him to become an economist (he included a work of science fiction). Daron Acemoglu (Nobel 2024) talked to us about inequality, Simon Johnson (Nobel 2024) on 'Why Economic History Matters.' Eric Maskin (Nobel 2007) spoke on 'Economic Theory and the Financial Crisis.' We also have reviews of the work of Claudia Goldin (Nobel 2023) on unfair pay. Far from a dismal science, economics can be a path to saving the world.

For a view of the challenges we're facing in the world economy, our interview with Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator of the Financial Times, is a good place to start. We also keep a running list of new economics books.

Topics we've covered include inflation and monetary policy, game theory and inequality. Books on economic history are also an area of focus. Our interview on game theory books is with Ariel Rubinstein.

If our expert interviews are a reliable guide, the best economics books of all time are: A Monetary History of the United States, The Wealth and Poverty of Nations, The Worldly Philosophers, The Passions and the Interests and, of course, The Wealth of Nations.

Behavioural Economics | Financial Crisis Books | Monopolies | Finance | Investing Books | Economic History | Development Economics  | Fiction Recommended by Economists