Does anyone know a good book about basic economics? I’m not looking for a text book, but something I can read when I’m on the train that will keep me interested.

David Smith has a book called, I think 'A Free Lunch: easily digestable economics' which I've read and is a relatively straightforward read (sorry I can't be 100% sure on the title, but the author is definitely right!!).

That's one of the ones I was looking at. As well as the John Kay one mentioned in another thread.I just thought I'd poll people here to get a few more options. I heard the John Kay one might be relatively advanced, and though I read the economist/news I'm fairly sure my economic knowledge must be basic at best.

Well if you cant stomach Adam Smiths the invisible hand then why not try Freakonomics?

I'll have a look at those two too, thanks BB. Although I thought freakonomics wasn't really a very good book? Maybe I heard wrong. I read The Long Tail by the editor of Wired, and it was interesting enough, but I didn't really feel I learned anything from it...

Freakonomics. shite. Should have called it "Lukewarm crayzey stats".

I thought freakonomics was fantastic, really really good. I would def recommend it.

No, read the Undercover Economist. Brilliant, brilliant book.

The Undercover Economist is very basic and you will find it very dull if you already undersatnd basic economic concepts.

monkey, he ASKED for a book on basic economics, u t.w.at.

Basic economics is indeed what I am after. I'm not stupid so I don't need GCSE level rubbish, but I've never studdied any economics, so I'd imagine that I need the most basic of books.After all, who's going to write a book on basic economics that is aimed at someone who is not already interested in it?

"After all, who's going to write a book on basic economics that is aimed at someone who is not already interested in it?"Heh... half of my university's economics faculty?