As far as introductory economics texts go, Sloman is about as difficult as it gets. Nonetheless, it is very readable, and explains (relatively) difficult concepts in a straight-forward, lucid style. Also, it is an ideal text for those students planning to study economics further because within each chapter it has a 'basic' treatment of the issues at hand, and then follows it with an optional 'intermediate' treatment that builds upon the former one. This is an excellent idea in that it gives students the option of advancing far more quickly and easily than by using a 'standard' textbook approach. Further, the content is 'more intelligent' than in your average text - e.g., its chapter on general equilibrium contains material on Pareto Optimality (often left out of texts), and it has an entire chapter devoted alternative theories of the firm (always left out of texts).

In short, this text will challenge first year university students, but will also reward them with greater insight than will the average introductory textbook.

I concur with the assessment of Mr. Mariyani-Squire. This is an excellent text. Although quite challenging in places for an introductory text, the author organizes material in such a way that students can cover the basics and then extend/apply them. For students who want to go beyond the basics, the book provides additional material and illustrations. Particularly helpful are: the many sections throughout the book where concepts are listed in summary form; and the definitions of key terms printed at the bottom of each page. I use this in an International Baccalaureate (Higher Level) economics class with IB Diploma high school seniors in their second year of economics study. Since the book is written primarily for students in the U.K., it allows U.S. students to apply concepts using examples beyond their own country.

Although the book's organization resembles a textbook too much, the information is invaluable. Given that there is a mountain of books available on China it is extremely helpful to read something about the first Chinese democracy. While I enjoyed the book as a whole I was particularly interested in the story of Taiwan's evolution from dictatorship to democracy. This is especially cool because Taiwan is still strengthening its democracy. No other book examines Taiwan in such depth, which is not as great a compliment as it sounds since only a handful of books really examine modern Taiwan.