Economics & Money
The Long Tail
Chris Anderson
Discover how the internet age is shifting markets from mass-market hits to niche products and services. Explore the economic and cultural forces behind the Long Tail, and how businesses can thrive by catering to diverse, specialized interests.
The Making of Donald Trump
David Cay Johnston
A revealing look into the life and career of Donald Trump, exploring his family history, business dealings, and personal values. From his early days in real estate to his surprising rise to the presidency, this book uncovers the truth behind the man who would become one of the most influential figures in American history.
The Man Who Knew
Sebastian Mallaby
Explore the prescient insights of Hyman Minsky, an economist who foresaw the inherent instability of financial systems. This book delves into Minsky's life and theories, revealing how his understanding of risk and stability offers crucial lessons for navigating today's complex economic landscape.
The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
Robert A. Heinlein
In a lunar colony where convicts and political exiles eke out a hardscrabble existence, a self-aware computer named Mike and a resourceful technician named Mannie find themselves at the heart of a burgeoning revolution. As tensions rise between the lunar inhabitants and the Earth-based Lunar Authority, Mannie, along with the charismatic Wyoming Knott and the wise Professor de la Paz, must navigate a complex web of politics, economics, and personal loyalties to fight for the freedom of the moon.
The Myth of American Inequality
Phil Gramm
An examination of how official statistical measures understate America's well-being and distort the perception of income inequality. The authors argue that by not counting all transfer payments as income and by using inaccurate price indexes, government statistics paint a misleading picture of economic stagnation and inequality. They present an alternative analysis using available data to provide a more complete and accurate view of American prosperity.
The Myth of the Rational Voter
Bryan Caplan
An insightful exploration into why democracies often adopt harmful policies, arguing that voter irrationality, rather than ignorance or special interests, is the primary cause. Caplan challenges conventional wisdom and offers a provocative perspective on the failures of democracy.
The Myth of the Strong Leader
Archie Brown
An insightful exploration into the misconception that 'strong' leaders, defined by their dominance and centralized decision-making, are the most effective. Archie Brown challenges this notion, arguing that true leadership lies in qualities like integrity, intelligence, and collegiality, and that concentrating power in one individual can lead to errors and even disaster. Examining leaders from various political systems and historical periods, this book offers a fresh perspective on what constitutes desirable leadership in democracies and beyond.
The Narrow Corridor
Daron Acemoglu
A compelling exploration of liberty, examining how and why societies achieve or fail to achieve it, and the consequences for prosperity. The book argues that liberty emerges and flourishes when both state and society are strong, existing in a narrow corridor between despotism and anarchy. It delves into historical examples and theoretical frameworks to understand the delicate balance required for a free and thriving society.