Economics Nobel laureates are the pioneers of the science of economics. They are the most brilliant products of the discipline and have made enormous original contributions to the field of economics, and oftentimes history, political science, business, and other subjects. Their works, struggles, successes and failures are fascinating, and readers are given a glimpse into each laureate's life, where and when they were born and raised, what schools they attended, and who influenced their intellectual development. Most importantly, each laureate's often complex corpus of work is described as succinctly as possible without losing the work's original flavor: what it contributed to the field, and how it was received by peers, and how it affected the world. A list of selected further readings concludes each entry, directing the reader to the primary and secondary works essential to understanding the works of these towering figures.

Arranged chronologically by year of award, all 44 entries cogently explain the laureate's life's work in language even non-economists can follow. Economists interested in the intellectual history of their discipline, and professors and students of business will find Wahid's book a very useful resource when seeking out the basic outlines of the thoughts of the scholars who have shaped the fields of economic inquiry, practice, and research. Also, any student in the social sciences thumbing through this book will instantly recognize many currents of thought that have influenced the way scholars in their discipline approach their craft.

The traditional social and political conflicts that Bangladesh has failed to resolve over the past two decades are described by specialists on that country's economy. Some of the issues discussed are nationalization versus privatization, relationships between political and military institutions, institutionalizing and stabilizing democracy, and formulation of appropriate manpower policy. The contributors suggest policy measures to resolve the conflicts, and in doing so reveal the silver linings of the economy of Bangladesh.