Book review by Steve Gray, Assistant Branch Secretary

23 Things They Don't Tell You About Capitalism
Ha Joon Chang (Penguin 2010 Library ref 330.122)

Ever wanted to argue that;

Casino Capitalism is not the best foundation for a nation's economy?

The public sector contributes as much as the banks to the economy?

That paying Directors 100 times more than a company's average worker is not a productive use of the organisations money?

Then read this book!

In "23 Things…." Ha Joon Chang from Cambridge University, England, draws upon his 20 years expertise in International Economic History drawing upon 18th century to 21st century examples of economic problems and solutions in countries as diverse as South Korea, Sweden, U.K., the Americas, China, and India to give free market capitalism a good kicking (my words not his).

"23 Things…."has been written, the author tells us, to equip people to be economically literate, to question the political dogma disguised as "economic science" in the U.K. and the U.S.A. and to foster a debate about what are the most appropriate economic and political tools to restore the battered economies and societies of the world at this point in time.

So be part of the dialogue for change, read this book and arm yourself to argue with free market fundamentalists in whatever guise they come in.