Economics for humans /

A library would require many shelves to store all the books faulting economic theory as well as the market for failing to take humanistic considerations into account. Nelson's Economics for Humans might appear to fall into this category, but her volume is far more interesting. In a clear and even welcoming style, she lays out some of the shortcomings of economics in the market economy, but she is unique in the way she tries to show linkages in the demands of everyday economic life and the need for a more caring society--in her words, "keeping body and soul together." Nelson (Global Development and Environment Institute, Tufts Univ.) does not offer a cookbook for the future, but suggests one can perhaps learn some lessons from the Progressive Era that are relevant for the current environment. Libraries will find a wide range of readers for this book. Even open-minded professional economists will find freshness in Nelson's treatment of the subject, while people largely unacquainted with economics--not just the mythical advanced undergraduate--will find this book accessible. ^BSumming Up: Highly recommended. All collections. M. Perelman California State University, Chico