This best-selling introduction to economics shows readers that economics is a powerful way of thinking and actually teaches them how to thinklike an economist and how to use economics to interpret world events. Reader-friendly and hands-on in approach, it provides a unified approach to economic theory, issues and policies -- using a variety of methods (stories, graphs, and equations) to present economics principles. Offers exceptionally up-to-date coverage in data, examples, events and topics. Begins with an introduction to economic basics, then explores microeconomics in depth. Considers both consumers and firms (including the capital market and the investment decision); market imperfections and the role of government; and current applied microeconomics issues (public finance; the economics of labor markets and labor unions; and health care, immigration, and urban problems). Integrates global/international concerns/issues throughout. For anyone interested in a solid introduction to microeconomics.