In "The Undercover Economist," Tim Harford masterfully demystifies the complex world of economics, transforming it into a realm as accessible and engaging as a well-told story. With the expertise of a seasoned economist and the flair of a gifted storyteller, Harford unveils the hidden economic forces that shape our daily lives—from the coffee we drink to the cars we drive. This book is a compelling journey through the global marketplace, exploring the surprising truths behind why we pay what we do and how the economy influences our everyday decisions. Updated to reflect the tumultuous economic shifts of recent years, including the banking crisis, this edition of "The Undercover Economist" is more relevant than ever. Harford, a senior columnist for the Financial Times, uses his keen insight to dissect a wide array of contemporary economic issues, offering clarity on why the rich get richer, why health care costs soar, and how businesses like supermarkets and coffee chains cleverly extract our hard-earned dollars. With a light-hearted approach that belies the depth of his analysis, Harford reveals the economic principles driving the world around us, making "The Undercover Economist" an indispensable guide for anyone looking to understand the true mechanics of the modern economy.