The Global Economy as You've Never Seen It

November 15, 2018

Journalist Ramge (the Economist) and graphic designer Schwochow (founder, CEO, Infographics Group; Understanding Germany) have produced an incredible, atlas-like work on a topic many find daunting. Using infographics to outstanding effect, they explore the global economy and discuss how economics connect everyone around the globe. The volume is divided into seven sections: "The Individual," "The Company," "The National Economy," "The Global Economy," "Theory," "Environment & Resources," and "The Future." Almost 100 vibrant visuals on 49 topics are accompanied by accurate text. The section on the future is especially compelling, covering megatrends, innovation, digitization, automation, and more. The appendix of websites, organizations, reports, bureaus, and other sources the creators used for their data is meticulous. The comprehensive index is more helpful than most for finding terms and topics in the richly detailed contents. VERDICT Patrons of all levels, particularly students doing reports, could spend hours browsing this superb title.--Rob Tench, Old Dominion Univ. Libs., Norfolk, VA

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2018
Economics can be fun! Or at least visually appealing, as this oversize book of infographics demonstrates. Starting with economics as they pertain to the individual (worker, consumer), the book's chapters broaden in scope to an international view of the economy, then to economic theory, environmental concerns, and the future. The design of some of the two-page spreads will make readers' heads swim, but the majority of the infographics are amusing (like the one on BS in the office), sobering (illegal global markets and greenwashing), and informative (bitcoin and blockchain). Though not totally unbiased?the authors are kind to Amazon and pretty fond of capitalism?this is a good choice for readers who want to leisurely digest complex economic issues.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)