“It may leave some people cold, but economic history doesn’t need to be dull. This book aptly demonstrates why: it takes in big historical events, from the invention of money to the Great Depression, mixes in world-famous figures, and produces a sprightly, fast-paced account that’s not afraid to tackle the big questions.”—History Revealed

A conversation with Niall Kishtainy:

What is economics and why is it important?
Economics is about how we use our resources. Why are some societies able to feed and educate their children, others not? Economics is about how people get what they need to live full, happy lives—and why some don’t. If we can understand basic economic questions, we can help more people live well.
 
Isn't economics just for adults, even professionals? Why should children learn about economics?
People are put off by economic jargon. But if you care about our biggest challenges—what to do about poverty, how to make sure that people can find work—then economics is essential. It’s children who as the voters, thinkers, and leaders of tomorrow will decide how we deal with those challenges.

What or who do you think made the biggest difference to economics?
The big event was the Industrial Revolution. It began in Britain and spread to the rest of Europe in the nineteenth century. It created a new kind of life in factories and big cities, which took over from the old ways of the village. Later, the British economist John Maynard Keynes made a huge difference to economic thinking. Before him economists thought that little could be done about large numbers of jobless people. His ideas changed the way that governments managed their economies. He's still influential today.