Appiah’s rather simplistic case is economically naïve, and shallow in places. Still, I think it largely succeeds in attaining what it sets out to do, and is yet worth reading – although the lack of depth will be frustrating to some.

What work! There are three possible societal responses to liberalism’s ‘free market’, Polanyi coolly reasons: (1) self-protection through the adapted regulation; (2) environmental collapse and dehumanization of society; or (3) the embrace of fascism.

A forceful work tying economic inequality to environmental devastation.

David Korten

Of all books listed in this section, this is the most important read.  A sober account of the corporatization of our planet.

Richard Peet

A damning indictment of the ‘Unholy Trinity’ – the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Trade Organization.  Varies greatly in quality from chapter to chapter.

William Greider

An outstanding and detailed study of the emerging Global Economy.

The classic 1972 modeling exercise that was the first to investigate the limits to growth in earnest.

A similar thesis to that of Ha-Joon Chang, but presented more philosophically and less concisely. Although dense and repetitive at times, this erudite and diverse discourse makes for a highly satisfying read.

The world is desperately ready for a rigorous and solid foundation to a new economics that views the Economy as a subsystem of the Earth system. ‘The Growth Illusion’ is not it. Wishy-washy.

Joseph Stiglitz

Unforgivably mistitled. A worthwhile critique of the World Bank by a former insider.