2007-02-25 If there is the perfect economics textbook - this must be it...

The first few weeks of my first year Economics course were mainly spent wondering whether I had made the right decision in studying economics. The course textbook I did not understand, and for fear of missing important topics that it covered, I did not dare use another book. However, the time came when I understood so little (or was so bored by the book), that I finally decided to buy this textbook as a last attempt to save my studies. I have not been disappointed.
First, and most importantly, Principles of Economics is a ridiculously good read. My previous textbook was so boring and dry that I spent days at a time between procrastinating and working through a single chapter. With Mankiw's book, I sat down, started a chapter and finished it within one or two hours. Most of all, I had understood the principles and could apply them to any course assignments or in essays.
The interesting thing about this book is that its chapters are significantly longer than the other book's sections. Yet the fluent and intuitive style does not require multiple reading of sentences until the gist has been understood. Thus, even although there are more pages to be read, they are read more quickly and effectively.
I have to admit that Principles of Economics does not cover all topics that where discussed in my Introduction to Economic Analysis course. However, that is more the problem of my course, I feel, than of this textbook (in the end it is my problem, of course). It is a no-nonsense book aimed at first year economics students, covering everything that is of importance for first years and leaving anything else for subsequent years of studies. I have found that, although not every single concept discussed in my course is covered in this book - to be sure, the overwhelming majority was -, I have had no difficulties in following the course. If anything, after using this book, my performance greatly improved. Thus, where other books overwhelm you with bits and pieces of advanced theory and mathematical applications unsuitable for an introduction, Mankiw restricts himself on what is important for a first year student.
There are always aspects that can be improved about anything, but my overall impression of this book is that it is the best available of its sort. It is hopelessly overpriced, but previous editions are just as good and can be bought second hand. You will not regret it...