Passion and craft : economists at work /

A sequel to the author's Eminent Economists: Their Life Philosophies (CH, Jul'92), this aptly titled book is an idiosyncratic collection of accounts by 20 younger academic economists, e.g., Francine Blau, David Colander, Claudia Goldin, Paul Krugman, Deirdre McCloskey, Richard Schmalensee. Contributors explain why they chose to study economics and how they practice their craft, primarily research and teaching. The forthright nature of nearly every entry makes this book required reading for would-be academic economists. Although most entries include notes and references, noneconomists will have trouble with the unexplained technical terms. However, all academics will be enlightened by the contributors' honest self-appraisals, including helpful advice about how to choose and pursue a research project. Because Szenberg (Pace Univ.) deliberately chose a nonrepresentative sample in terms of gender and political viewpoint, the collection provides enlightening discussion of bias within the profession. Includes a foreword by Paul A. Samuelson. Highly recommended for undergraduate and graduate library collections. M. H. Maier Glendale Community College