Economics, far from being the dismal science, offers us valuable lessons that can be applied to our everyday experiences. At its heart, economics is the scientific study of choice and a study of economic principles allows us to achieve a more informed understanding of how we make our choices, whether these choices occur in our everyday life or in our work environment.

This two-volume text represents a common sense approach to basic microeconomics. Volume one, Elements and Principles, delivers clear statements of essential economic principles, supported by easy to understand examples, and uncluttered by extraneous material; the goal is to provide a concise readable primer that covers the fundamentals of microeconomic theory. The text looks at opportunity cost; the rationale for trade; the efficient operation of competitive markets; and develops and expands the economist’s basic demand and supply model.