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.

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.