As Tim Harford covers topics as diverse as prostitutes in Brazil and oral sex in high schools, narrator John Lee keeps up with the Harford's energetic argument for including economics in everyday life. The author also uses game theory and statistics to understand human behavior. In addition to his sharp, crisp delivery, Lee's hint of a British accent makes the material sound even more cerebral. Especially important, his quick pace helps focus the listener's attention as the author playfully reveals examples of modern-day life--such as mate selection and poker playing--that appear to be chance events but that are really dependent upon economic principles.
Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2008
Duration: 9 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781415947906
Publisher: Books on Tape
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
The readers can't compensate for the unbearably pompous prose style of this extended parable about corporate politics and strategy.
Pub Date: N/A
Duration: 3 hrs
Publisher: Random House Audio
Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026
An engaging experience.
This audiobook deals with everything from the historic investments that led to world-dominating companies, such as the Chinese technology company Tencent, to predicting the products and services of the future. An audiobook of such complexity requires a narrator who can handle the task, and David Thorpe manages it admirably. Thorpe uses his masterly voice, which sits somewhere between that of a BBC World Service presenter and an easy, relaxed Home Counties accent, to guide listeners through a sea of numbers, acronyms, and terms such as YP, RPS, and market cap. Rather than simply reading, Thorpe presents the work with excitement and enthusiasm, and this enjoyment transfers to the listener.
An engaging experience.Pub Date: Feb. 20, 2026
Duration: 13 hrs
DD ISBN: 9781668103425
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Review Posted Online: March 17, 2026
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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