AS & A Level Economics Through Diagrams, 2nd, edn

AS & A Level Economics Through Diagrams, 2nd edn., Andrew Gillespie, Oxford, 2001, paperback, 114 pages, L9.99, ISBN 0-19913429-4,Tel 01536 741068

This is an updated version of the very popular revision guide, which was first published in 1998. It retains its original content and style which is both clear and easy to follow, although to describe its presentation as 'through diagrams' is a little misleading. More that half the book is straightforward information set out in boxes.

The coverage of the book is extremely thorough - presenting as detailed a treatment of all the major micro- and macroeconomic topics as you could expect to find in a book of this length - and it is supported by a comprehensive index. Unusually for a revision book, the detail is sometimes a little overdone: we are, for example, treated to no less than nine measures of the money supply more than enough for any teacher, never mind student. The choice of material is not always obvious and I was particularly impressed to see David Begg's AJ-LF model in the section on unemployment.

This edition is advertised as, 'for the new specifications' and to that end there is a useful section on the economics of sport and leisure for OCR students. The closing section towards the end of the book, on UK economic history, is also updated with clear graphs on many leading indicators. The opening chapter on the exam specifications is completely new, containing a checklist of relevant pages for various parts of the AS specifications for the four main examination boards. It is a pity that this does not extend to the A2 modules, of which there is little mention.

The book is not without its faults, and it is disappointing to note that a number of inaccuracies have survived from the first edition. In one diagram, the point where AC=AR is described as the break-even point. Again, the presentation of the kinked demand shows a continuous MR curve, rather than one with an area of discontinuity, and a diagram showing the 'relationship' between unemployment and inflation is described as a Philips Curve. A thorough consideration of the new specification should also have seen the removal of the Keynesian 450 diagram, with its confusing upward sloping demand curve. The final facet of the book, which I find totally incomprehensible, given its target market, is that it is written in Americanised, or should that be Americanized, English. Why?

These are minor niggles. The overall feeling one gets is of a well put together revision guide and, at the price, good value for money. Students are becoming increasingly fussy and one student I showed the book to complained of the lack of colour. Given the trade-off with price, I'm happy with black and white.

This is not a textbook and does not pretend to be so, but copies should find their way into school or department libraries. It will certainly be purchased by students.

Judging by the number of copies of this volume I have seen amongst my students, Andrew Gillespie appears to be onto a winner.

Ian Parker, The Tuition Centre, London.

Copyright Economics and Business Education Association Spring 2002
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