"Partha Dasgupta's Very Short Introduction to Economics is an up-to-date, intelligible introduction to how economics uncovers and explains the processes that shape our lives. Combining examples from everyday life with a global approach that considers not just the economics of the West but also the economics of the world's 2.4 billion rural poor, Dasgupta reveals how economics can give us deep insight into some of life's most formidable problems, and offer solutions to those problems too."--Jacket.

Preface --List of illustrations -- List of tables -- Prologue -- 1. Macroeconomic history -- 2. Trust -- 3. Communities -- 4. Markets -- 5. Science and technology as institutions -- 6. Households and firms -- 7. Sustainable economic development -- 8. Social well-being and democratic government -- Epilogue -- Further readiing -- Index.