Description

Book Synopsis

Countries with smaller governments grow faster.
Tobacco taxes are the best way to cut smoking.
Government regulation discourages entrepreneurship.

Award-winning investigative journalist Tom Bergin digs into eight mantras widely accepted by Western governments and, by talking to the people who promote those ideas and the workers, businesspeople and consumers who have felt their impacts, finds they often don't play out as expected. Smart, funny and incisive, Free Lunch Thinking is essential reading for anyone who really wants to know how economies tick - and why they often don't.
_______________________________________________________________

'I couldn't put it down. A thorough and nuanced examination of the evolution of supply side economics . . . I loved it.' Arthur Laffer, creator of the Laffer Curve

'An entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of economic theories that have been both widely accepted and largely wrong . . . I devoured it in a couple of sittings.' Reuters Breakingviews

'An insightful account of the recent history of economic thought. If you are looking for a book which challenges you without being annoying - make it this one.' Institute of Economics Affairs



Trade Review
An essential read if you want to know how economics has erred - and how it can do better.—Gabriel Zucman, author of 'The Hidden Wealth of Nations'

I couldn't put it down. A thorough and nuanced examination of the evolution of supply side economics and the debates we had around how to put the theory into practice. I loved it.—Arthur Laffer, creator of the Laffer Curve

A brilliant tour de force exposing the limitations of economic theories. Bergin punctures many accepted myths and - with care and rigour - demonstrates how much accepted economic orthodoxy is based on ideology and not reality. A very readable and well-researched book that we all should read.—Margaret Hodge, former chair of the UK parliament’s Public Accounts Committee

An entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of economic theories that have been both widely accepted and largely wrong . . . I devoured it in a couple of sittings.—Reuters Breakingviews

Fantastically provocative book . . . a really great read.—David McWilliams, economist and author

Free Lunch Thinking: 8 Economic Myths and Why

Product form

£10.44

Includes FREE delivery

RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

Order before 4pm today for delivery by Sat 13 Dec 2025.

A Paperback / softback by Tom Bergin

15 in stock


    View other formats and editions of Free Lunch Thinking: 8 Economic Myths and Why by Tom Bergin

    Publisher: Cornerstone
    Publication Date: 05/05/2022
    ISBN13: 9781847942753, 978-1847942753
    ISBN10: 184794275X

    Description

    Book Synopsis

    Countries with smaller governments grow faster.
    Tobacco taxes are the best way to cut smoking.
    Government regulation discourages entrepreneurship.

    Award-winning investigative journalist Tom Bergin digs into eight mantras widely accepted by Western governments and, by talking to the people who promote those ideas and the workers, businesspeople and consumers who have felt their impacts, finds they often don't play out as expected. Smart, funny and incisive, Free Lunch Thinking is essential reading for anyone who really wants to know how economies tick - and why they often don't.
    _______________________________________________________________

    'I couldn't put it down. A thorough and nuanced examination of the evolution of supply side economics . . . I loved it.' Arthur Laffer, creator of the Laffer Curve

    'An entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of economic theories that have been both widely accepted and largely wrong . . . I devoured it in a couple of sittings.' Reuters Breakingviews

    'An insightful account of the recent history of economic thought. If you are looking for a book which challenges you without being annoying - make it this one.' Institute of Economics Affairs



    Trade Review
    An essential read if you want to know how economics has erred - and how it can do better.—Gabriel Zucman, author of 'The Hidden Wealth of Nations'

    I couldn't put it down. A thorough and nuanced examination of the evolution of supply side economics and the debates we had around how to put the theory into practice. I loved it.—Arthur Laffer, creator of the Laffer Curve

    A brilliant tour de force exposing the limitations of economic theories. Bergin punctures many accepted myths and - with care and rigour - demonstrates how much accepted economic orthodoxy is based on ideology and not reality. A very readable and well-researched book that we all should read.—Margaret Hodge, former chair of the UK parliament’s Public Accounts Committee

    An entertaining and thought-provoking exploration of economic theories that have been both widely accepted and largely wrong . . . I devoured it in a couple of sittings.—Reuters Breakingviews

    Fantastically provocative book . . . a really great read.—David McWilliams, economist and author

    Recently viewed products

    © 2025 Book Curl

      • American Express
      • Apple Pay
      • Diners Club
      • Discover
      • Google Pay
      • Maestro
      • Mastercard
      • PayPal
      • Shop Pay
      • Union Pay
      • Visa

      Login

      Forgot your password?

      Don't have an account yet?
      Create account