About book False Economy: A Surprising Economic History Of The World (2009)
False Economy author Alan Beattie, chief editor of The Financial Times provides an informative, detailed and often witty view of the various quirky economic, social and political views taken by countries that have shaped their own economies and have altered world economies throughout history.Why Africa does not grow Coccain or Why American Asparagas is imported from Peru or the Story of the World Virtual Water Trade ae just a few of the topics he so finely discusses that helps us revaluate the economy that we know.A must read for an economic mind or if you are looking for some informative time-pass. An enjoyable, thoughtful collection of essays. Certainly not a systematic theory or prescriptive beyond the basics, but a nice treatment of some fundamental principles of economic development. I enjoyed the opening chapter comparing the trajectories of Argentina and the US and the brief history of the textile trade in Britain, particularly the extraordinary measures taken by the British wool industry in the face of imported Indian calico. I was surprised and somewhat disappointed at the lack of consideration given to environmental matters, but then again, that is symptomatic of the Financial Times/Economist approach, which seems slow to recognize the tight, indissoluble bonds between the Earth's ecology and our economy. I would have particularly appreciated taking that aspect into account in the discussion of virtual water. Worth a read.
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Beattie is hilarious. This book was awesome. I wish he would write another one!
—LMayberry
very ok ok. not so hot at all. erudite at best
—Pam
