Part of the Arcturus series, Ideas to Save Your Life, The 15-Minute Economist introduces the reader to the main ideas of economics, showing how the subject has a clear, practical purpose vital of our day-to-day lives and thinking. A fun and fascinating introduction to the subject, including the story of many of the world s greatest economists and covering the history of economics from the early barter system through the Industrial Revolution to the emergence of globalization."About the Author: Anne Rooney gained a degree and then a PhD in medieval literature from Trinity College, Cambridge. After a period of teaching medieval English and French literature at the universities of Cambridge and York, she left to pursue a career as a freelance writer. She has written many books for adults and children on a variety of subjects, including literature and history. She lives in Cambridge. She has written many books on science and technology, and was long-listed for the prestigious Aventis Science Prize in 2004.