The Ordinary Business of Life

Capture the sweep of ideas that shape our world with The Ordinary Business of Life by Roger E. Backhouse. This engaging and authoritative companion to the history of economic thought traces how everyday concerns — markets, work, welfare, and policy — inspired powerful theories and practical change. Ideal for students, scholars, and curious readers across the UK, US, Europe and beyond, Backhouse combines rigorous scholarship with clear, readable prose.

You’ll find a lively narrative that connects landmark thinkers and moments to the issues that matter today. Backhouse illuminates how economic ideas evolved in response to social, political and technological forces, making abstract theory relevant to contemporary debates on inequality, growth and public policy. Each chapter balances historical depth with accessible explanations, turning complex concepts into compelling stories.

Whether you’re preparing for coursework, enriching a personal library, or seeking a thoughtful gift for a politics or economics enthusiast, this book delivers both breadth and insight. Praise-worthy for its clarity, intellectual coherence and contextual sensitivity, The Ordinary Business of Life is a go-to resource for anyone wanting to understand how economic thought has shaped modern life.

Add this essential volume to your collection today — perfect for university courses, professional reference, or informed readers who want to follow the lineage of ideas that influence policy and everyday decisions around the globe.

Note: eBooks do not include supplementary materials such as CDs, access codes, etc.