Which is a better book?
Should I read both?
If so, in what order?
i hated economics for real people so i wouldnt recommend reading it at all. Its probably the only book i have ever read that i wished i hadnt.
i havent read lessons for a young economist though all of murphy’s writings i have liked.
What didn’t you like about it?
I think both books are great, but I like Callahan’s book in particular because it takes you through a narrative of the Austrian view of economics.
I can tell you with confidence that Murphy’s intro is excellent, and that Callahan is a complete scrub who doesn’t understand ABCT, and is a prick in general.
I’ve already read Economics in One Lesson, and I don’t have enough money for Sowell’s book.
So far the consensus seems to be in favor of Murphy’s book.
So far the consensus seems to be in favor of Murphy, not necessarily his book. Callahan has indeed switched his opinion of Austrian economics since writing Economics for Real People and has become an antagonist of LvMI, but that says nothing to the quality of his book and his ideas when he wrote it. To my eyes the book is fantastic (as was most of Callahan’s writing for LvMI and LRC).
Should I just read both?
No, you shouldn’t. My vote isn’t for Murphy; it’s for his book. I’ve read it, and it is very good. Callahan’s I have not read, though I own it. I’ve heard good things about it, but I’ve also heard the section on ABCT is confused in some respect. Lastly and most importantly, Callahan is a prick and does not deserve a dim of yours.
David Gordon’s book on economic reasoning should get a look in.
If money is an issue, do you know that Mises.org has a literature section with free ebook download?