The 10 Best Macroeconomics Textbooks

Aspiring economists and entrepreneurs will appreciate the stripped-down style of Big Ideas: A Nontechnical View (about $24). It avoids math entirely, and uses a mix of evidence and personal experience to describe theoretical ideas, real-world business cycles and a plethora of models.

The widely-used Principles of Macroeconomics (appx. $111) promises to teach the fundamentals without getting bogged down in technical terms or overwhelming students with superfluous details. Written with approachable prose, it's designed specifically to complement introductory classes.

Advanced Macroeconomics (appx. $71) illustrates the rationale behind the central questions of the discipline by means of formal models and major theories. Rather than using abstract examples to reinforce data, it's supported by clarifying mathematical equations and problem sets.

International Macroeconomics (around $97) examines the markets of developing countries and uses empirical evidence to explore the complex workings of the global economy. It includes modern issues, such as NAFTA's effect on wages, the implications of Brexit, and Europe's refugee crisis.

Intermediate learners struggling with consumption theory, competitive equilibrium, and fluctuations in output will appreciate Lectures on Macroeconomics (around $66). It tackles these topics and more with erudite expertise, and strives to present ideas in a self-contained manner.

Now in its 13th edition, Principles and Policy (about $59) is a respected text penned by distinguished economists. Dedicated to giving pupils a solid grounding in the subject, it skillfully relates recent policy developments to core concepts, and is brimming with compelling visuals.

Graduate students will find myriad stimulating principles in Recursive Theory (around $79), a lucid and approachable option that explores the various methods used to characterize diverse issues. It offers an abundance of sample applications in order to give pupils plenty of practice.

Macroeconomics, 10th Edition (appx. $86) is a comprehensibly written tome that makes clear connections between key principles in the field and real-world practices. It's organized into an easy-to-follow format and full of helpful learning features, such as an in-text reference system.

Those pressed for time will love A Concise Guide (appx. $23), which covers the essentials in order to give students a broad understanding of fiscal policy, international trade, and more. It uses thoughtful, detailed examples and examines conflicting theories with unbiased insight.

With Origins, Development And Current State (around $219), authors Snowdon and Vane breathe life into the subject by means of illuminating interviews with leading economists, elegant perspectives on differing schools of thought, and encouraging readers to question established policies.