Book Description

ïIn this book, Simon Bowmaker offers a remarkable collection of conversations with leading economists about research in economics. He has selected a broad sample of the great economists of our time, including people whose perspectives span most of the major subdivisions of economics research, from micro to macro, from theoretical to empirical, from rationalist to behavioral.Í _ From the foreword by Roger B. Myerson, University of Chicago, US and 2007 Nobel Laureate in Economics ïThe Art and Practice of Economics Research is the book I wish I had when I was ñgrowing upî as an economist. For anyone who is or wants to be an economic researcher, or anyone just interested in how economics ñworksî, this is a terrific and inspirational resource.Í _ David K. Levine, Washington University in St. Louis, US ïIt is hard to imagine an economist in the world who would not enjoy this book. It is fascinating, gripping, and full of the wisdom imparted by age and by scholarly lifeÍs ups and downs.Í _ Andrew J. Oswald, University of Warwick, UK ïAlthough each has followed his or her own road, these scholars share a passion for economics and a commitment to the research enterprise. The best economists lie sleepless, gripped by their questions.Í _ Joshua Angrist, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, US ïThis is a wonderful book of interviews with some of the most respected economists in the world. It is full of insights into academic life, and clearly conveys the joy of doing economics research.Í _ Jon Levin, Stanford University, US ïThe relaxed frame of the interviews gives interested parties exciting insights into the thoughts and concerns of leading economists and might well inspire some of the best young minds to continue with economics in their later lives.Í _ Ernst Fehr, University of Zurich, Switzerland The Art and Practice of Economics Research provides an in-depth look into the research methods of leading economists from across the United States and Europe. This innovative volume contains 25 interviews with practicing economists, presenting insightful personal accounts into an often-misunderstood field. Contributors to this volume were asked to reflect on their own experience in economics research, including their methods of working, the process of scientific discovery and knowledge creation, and the challenges of successfully disseminating their work. The unique and compelling interview format showcases each contributorÍs personal connection to his or her work, presenting a view of current economics research that is technical, comprehensive, and refreshingly human. Both students and current scholars in economics will find much to admire in this bookÍs window into the inner workings of some of the brightest and best-known minds in the field. This volume would also make a great companion to the authorÍs 2010 book, The Heart of Teaching Economics, which showcases the personal experiences of teachers and professors of economics.