Is Our Economy a Reality? A Book Review on a Surprising Book of Economic History

By Lance Winslow
If economic theory has always bothered you or if you are a free market thinker or even a socialist intellectual, then there is one book that you can read, no matter who you are that will definitely pique your curiosity. I recommend this currently popular economic book to all:

"False Economy - A Surprising Economic History of the World" by Alan Beattie; Riverhead Books (a Penguin Publishing Group Company); New York, NY; (2009). ISBN 9781594488665.

Author Alan Beattie uses some very interesting and curious examples to explain his assertions and takes the reader through some of the most fascinating historical economic events from around the Globe. There is a great chapter on the economic crisis that hit Argentina, as well as their recovery. He explains the Egyptian challenges with importing their main food supplies.

There is a chapter on the issues with Blood Diamonds and humanity crisis surrounding the normal diamond business. Then he goes into the issues with oil, and the corruption, global politics and challenges they create. Beattie suggests with great fodder that both oil and diamonds maybe more trouble than they are worth. It's a great dialogue and intellectual argument.

There is a chapter on the Islamic world and how religion plays a part in economics and how religious rules on "the borrowing of money" have slowed down their growth. This is not a new argument, but it is very well presented here, you will enjoy the comments immensely, and it is a fair assessment and observation; very much worth reading.

There are several other great chapters that throw economic reality checks on how free markets operate or should. I am very happy to recommend this book to you, it's one that sits on the economic shelf of my personal library. So, please consider this, it will be one of the most interesting books you read all year.