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Part of the Greenwood Guides to Business and Economics series aimed at promoting economic literacy, this volume by Bradley A. Hansen, an economist at the University of Mary Washington, provides an introduction to the structure and performance of the American economy. Clearly written and accessible to general readers, the book begins by using the basics of supply and demand to examine how markets work. After a discussion of measures of economic performance including gross domestic product, unemployment, and inflation, issues of long-term growth, short-run fluctuations, and economic policy are covered. The bulk of the text describes the economic roles of businesses, households, the government, and the foreign sector. Current controversies such as globalization and immigration are touched upon. Sources of current economic information, a chronology of important economic events, a glossary, and an index are included. Primarily descriptive with economic terminology and theory employed sparingly, the book provides readers with the basic tools and factual knowledge required to understand and make judgments on everyday economic events. Highly recommended for general readers through upper-division undergraduates.

David A. Latzko Business and Economics Division Pennsylvania State University, York Campus office: 13 Main Classroom Building voice: (717) 771-4115 fax: (717) 771-4062 e-mail: web: www.yk.psu.edu/~dxl31