Author(s): Ha-Joon Chang

Economics | Politics | Food writing & reference

Edible Economics brings the sort of creative fusion that spices up a great kitchen to the often too-disciplined subject of economics For decades, a single, free-market philosophy has dominated global economics. But this intellectual monoculture is bland and unhealthy. Bestselling author and economist Ha-Joon Chang makes challenging economic ideas delicious by plating them alongside stories about food from around the world, using the diverse histories behind familiar food items to explore economic theory. For Chang, chocolate is a lifelong addiction, but more exciting are the insights it offers into postindustrial knowledge economies; and while okra makes Southern gumbo heart-meltingly smooth, it also speaks of capitalism's entangled relationship with freedom. Myth-busting, witty, and thought-provoking, Edible Economics serves up a feast of bold ideas about globalization, climate change, immigration, austerity, automation, and why carrots need not be orange. It shows that getting to grips with the economy is like learning a recipe: when we understand it, we can adapt and improve it--and better understand our world.

Review: Excellent... Chang has been working hard at providing an alternative to neoliberalism for two decades... Now he's reached the summit of the profession -- Dan Davies * Guardian *
Chang has a rare gift for explaining complex ideas... whether he is dealing with food or economics, Chang is a delightful writer -- Bee Wilson * Sunday Times *
The only book I've ever read that made me laugh, salivate and re-evaluate my thoughts about economics - all at the same time. A funny, profound and appetising volume -- Brian Eno
A brilliant riposte to the myth that policymakers can survive on plain neoliberal fare. Edible Economics is a moveable feast of alternative economic ideas wrapped up in witty stories about food from around the world. Ha-Joon Chang proves yet again that he is one of the most exciting economists at work today -- Owen Jones
A fascinating stew of food, history and economics -- Tim Spector
Ha-Joon Chang has done it again. His prose delights and nourishes in equal measure. Somehow he manages to smuggle an urgent discussion of the relevance of economics to our daily lives into stories about food and cooking that are charming, funny and sweet (but never sour). In taking on the economic establishment, Chang is like a teddy bear savaging a rottweiler -- David Pilling
Ha-Joon Chang blends culinary facts and economic expertise in this rollicking guide... Chang infuses the survey with food-related trivia, covers an impressive swatch of economics, and concludes with a call that readers scrutinize, think imaginatively, and be open-minded in their quest for economic knowledge * Publishers Weekly *

Author Biography: Ha-Joon Chang teaches economics at SOAS University of London, and is one of the world's leading economists. His books include Economics- The User's Guide, Bad Samaritans and 23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism, which was a no.1 bestseller.