Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

Economic Literacy: A Complete Guide, edited by Stephanie Schwartz Driver. 224p. Tarrytown, NY: Marshall Cavendish, 2010. 978-0-7614-7910-9; 2009-9462. $99.90

This student encyclopedia introduces the reader to the world of international trade and global economics. The 52 expert-written essays explain the importance of business cycles, commodities, fiscal policies, management and recessions. The economic roles of individuals are demonstrated in discussions of consumer behavior, labor, productivity and other microeconomic concepts. The macroeconomic interplay of national and international economies is presented in explanations of balance of trade, globalization and gross domestic product. The significance of corporations, cartels, and international cooperative organizations is also explored. The methods of governments for regulating trade and commerce are described. Environmental ethics, sustainable development and distribution of wealth are among the social issues discussed. A variety of economic theories are also presented. Over 200 charts, tables, maps and photographs illustrate basic concepts from deregulation to tariffs. Selected sidebars highlight controversies and innovations. The information presented is based in part upon the multivolume Business and Industry (Marshall Cavendish, 2003) edited by William R. Childs. While many articles do address the financial crisis of the fall of 2008, most charts and tables of numbers do not extend beyond 2002. This limited currency is ameliorated in part by citations in each article directing students to current web resources for further research. A brief glossary defines more than 115 economic terms for the reader. While owners of Business and Industry will find most topics covered in the larger set, this more focused volume provides students with a coherent guide to the world economy. This title is recommended for high school and young adult collections.