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The Undercover Economist"The economy isn't] a bunch of rather dull statistics with names like GDP (gross domestic product)," notes Tim Harford, columnist and regular guest on NPR's Marketplace, "economics is about who gets what and why." In this acclaimed and riveting book part expos , part user's manual the astute and entertaining columnist from the Financial Times demystifies the ways in which money works in the world. From why the coffee in your cup costs so much to why
"The economy isn't] a bunch of rather dull statistics with names like GDP (gross domestic product)," notes Tim Harford, columnist and regular guest on NPR's Marketplace, "economics is about who gets what and why." In this acclaimed and riveting book-part expos , part user's manual-the astute and entertaining columnist from the Financial Times demystifies the ways in which money works in the world. From why the coffee in your cup costs so much to why efficiency is not necessarily the answer to ensuring a fair society, from improving health care to curing crosstown traffic-all the dirty little secrets of dollars and cents are delightfully revealed by The Undercover Economist. "A rare specimen: a book on economics that will enthrall its readers . . . It brings the power of economics to life."-Steven D. Levitt, coauthor of Freakonomics
"A playful guide to the economics of everyday life, and as such is something of an elder sibling to Steven Levitt's wild child, the hugely successful Freakonomics."
-The Economist "A tour de force . . . If you need to be convinced of the everrelevant and fascinating nature of economics, read this insightful and witty book."
-Jagdish Bhagwati, author of In Defense of Globalization
"This is a book to savor."
-The New York Times "Harford writes like a dream. From his book I found out why there's a Starbucks on every corner and] how not to get duped in an auction. Reading The Undercover Economist is like spending an ordinary day wearing X-ray goggles."
-David Bodanis, author of Electric Universe "Much wit and wisdom."
-The Houston Chronicle
From Publishers Weekly
Nattily packaged-the cover sports a Roy Lichtensteinesque image of an economist in Dick Tracy garb-and cleverly written, this book applies basic economic theory to such modern phenomena as Starbucks' pricing system and Microsoft's stock values. While the concepts explored are those encountered in Microeconomics 101, Harford gracefully explains abstruse ideas like pricing along the demand curve and game theory using real world examples without relying on graphs or jargon. The book addresses free market economic theory, but Harford is not a complete apologist for capitalism; he shows how companies from Amazon.com to Whole Foods to Starbucks have gouged consumers through guerrilla pricing techniques and explains the high rents in London (it has more to do with agriculture than one might think). Harford comes down soft on Chinese sweatshops, acknowledging "conditions in factories are terrible," but "sweatshops are better than the horrors that came before them, and a step on the road to something better." Perhaps, but Harford doesn't question whether communism or a capitalist-style industrial revolution are the only two choices available in modern economies. That aside, the book is unequaled in its accessibility and ability to show how free market economic forces affect readers' day-to-day.
Copyright (c) Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Bookmarks Magazine
Harford exposes the dark underbelly of capitalism in Undercover Economist. Compared with Steven Levitt's and Stephen J. Dubner's popular Freakonomics (*** July/Aug 2005), the book uses simple, playful examples (written in plain English) to elucidate complex economic theories. Critics agree that the book will grip readers interested in understanding free-market forces but disagree about Harford's approach. Some thought the author mastered the small ideas while keeping in sight the larger context of globalization; others faulted Harford for failing to criticize certain economic theories and to ground his arguments in political, organizational structures. Either way, his case studies--some entertaining, others indicative of times to come--will make you think twice about that cup of coffee.
Copyright (c) 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Random House Trade
Published: 01/30/2007
ISBN: 9780345494016
Pages: 265
Weight: 0.47lbs
Size: 7.96h x 5.24w x 0.61d
Review Citations: New York Times 03/11/2007 pg. 28
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4.6 ★★★★★
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Product Reviews
★★★★★ 3
Sun Protection, Clogged Pores Included
Size: 1.7 Fl Oz (Pack of 1), Style: SPF 50 Liquid Drops
While this sunscreen is lightweight, sinks into skin nicely, protects against sun damage very well, is truly affordable, and has a residue-free finish, it is not non-comedogenic as advertised. After using it daily for three weeks on my face, throat, the back of my neck, and ears it caused clogged pores on my nose, chin, and forehead and acne on my cheeks, ears, and hairline on the back of my neck. It also increased the overall oiliness of my skin. I did not change any of my other skincare products, usual daily sun exposure, diet, exercise, have health or medication changes, etc. during use, so this sunscreen is the culprit.
For reference, I am in my late 40s and have combination skin on the drier side that can be sensitive. I also have psoriasis but had no active patches while using this product. Before applying the sunscreen, I used an acne cleanser with 2% salicylic acid (currently using Cetaphil's new one), Cosrx 6 Peptide Booster, CeraVe Vitamin C serum, and then Vanicream Facial Moisturizer, letting all products absorb well for at least 10 minutes before applying the sunscreen. (I have used this same routine for over two years with excellent results.) Then, I applied two finger lengths of the sunscreen to my face and neck, another to the back of my neck, and a decent-size dab to my ears.
The sunscreen melts in quickly and leaves a slight white cast initially, but it dissipates quickly. I'm very fair, however, so this may just be my coloring. In aminute or two, the sunscreen is dry to the touch and ready for makeup application, for those who wear it. I haven't given the sunscreen a test drive with makeup since I prefer not to wear it. The finish is satin-like on my skin, not matte as advertised or shiny as mentioned by some reviewers. My skin experienced some oil breakthrough after a couple of hours, but that's typical for any sunscreen. It was more than the Korean brands I prefer with chemical UV filters, however, even ones that are more moisturizing.
Unfortunately, this is another American sunscreen fail for me. I'll use it up on my arms and legs. Oh, one final note: some folks are whinging about the size of the bottle. It holds 1.7 ounces of product in a very convenient, purse- or pocket-friendly size. 1.7 ounces is a standard volume for many brands of both American and Korean sunscreen, and this is actually a relevant selling point since it's not an unwieldy tube. Go by the weight when buying liquids, folks!
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Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2025
★★★★★ 5
Worked well near the equator
Style: SPF 50
I bought this product because I was going to be in the field for a month, outside, every day, all day, in Tanzania at high altitude. A severe sunburn would be hard to treat in the remote area we were in, but also I am very careful about protecting my skin from aging. I had to have mineral based sunscreen because as a whitewater kayaker I know it’s the only truly water resistant kind and it was going to be sweaty. And since I knew I was going to be putting it on every day, and we didn’t have running water in the field (bucket showers only) I didn’t want it to feel gross. (I really wanted to try the spray but I didn’t want to put anything pressurized in my luggage.) And I had already discovered the Coola face sunscreen (30spf version) which had impressed me with how silky smooth and not greasy it is. Now this IS greasier because it is a higher SPF. BUT I think this product is as good as you’re going to get with the protection you’re getting. Like I said, I’m a white water tiger, so I have used a LOT of mineral sunscreens. This was hands down the most comfortable one I’ve used. And it was effective. I didn’t burn once—only time I did burn was when I forgot to put it on one day toward the end of the trip, when we were out for just a couple hours—and I got the first 2nd degree burn I’ve ever had in my life. That was what this stuff had protected me from, all day every day, the entire trip. I did tan a little but I think that was mostly from the few times I was not covered during short bouts or it was cloudy. For my face I used the Coola 50spf face product.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2022
★★★★★ 5
Love this stuff!
Style: SPF 50
I use this every day and I love how it is frangrance free and creamy. I have a very fair complexion and I will say it leaves a slight white cast but it doesn’t bother me because it almost makes my fairness more creamy looking. My skin texture has improved since wearing it daily and no allergies from it. I highly recommend especially if you have fairer skin otherwise it may leave a cast .
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Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2023
★★★★★ 5
Excellent mineral sunscreen with minimal white cast.
Style: SPF 50
This is one of the healthier sunscreens I’ve found so far. You’re not likely going to find a mineral sunscreen that doesn’t leave some white cast. However, this one rubs in pretty good with minimal cast.
You can dab on and rub in fairly easily… as long as you don’t use too much the white cast should be minimal. I am not sure how well this would work on darker skin tones. My arms are a medium skin tone… my legs are more of a light-medium tone.
I prefer mineral sunscreens, and this is the best one I found so far and compatible to Supergoop mineral play. If you liked that one, you would likely enjoy this Coola one too.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2025
★★★★★ 1
Would not recommend
Style: SPF 50
I literally never write reviews but felt compelled to write one for this sunscreen because I was very caught off guard by all the positive reviews. This sunscreen leaves the most insane white sheen that never soaks in and gets on EVERYTHING. I put this on and drove to the beach and had sunscreen on my car seat, the steering wheel, the center console, the door, EVERYWHERE!
It took forever to clean up and was such a hassle and that was after having let the sunscreen soak into my skin for an hour.
Also the sunscreen is really thick and difficult to spread and makes you look ghostly white. Plus, the sunscreen has a really odd odor that reminded me of play dough? That might not be a negative thing for everyone but I found it unpleasant.
There are definitely better mineral sunscreens out there. For the price I expected a much better product.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2025
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