Comprendre la macroéconomie

FOREWORD The purpose of this book is to present the main themes of macroeconomics as simply and lucidly as possible, not only so that its readers can pass their exams but in the more ambitious hope that long after these exams have faded into oblivion, something of the central ideas and conclusions of contemporary economics will remain. The problem in a book of this kind is not just how to present the material, but where to draw the line-a matter than cannot, I fear, be resolved to everyone's satisfaction. The instructor who has spent years acquiring the knowledge of the subtleties and complexities of economic relationships is sure to feel that much has been left out. The student who has a semester or two to absorb all the formal economic instruction he is likely to receive in his life is apt to feel just the opposite. By way of apology to both, I can only say that I thought hard I have drawn the line, emphasizing and highlighting prominently certain basic processes of great conceptual and practical importance and minimizing side issues of secondary interest. A question whose answer we are eager to learn, both my readers and myself, is whether I will help to achieve success in their exams or if I can leave an "enduring" knowledge of economics. In carrying out this work a lot more people have helped me whom I want to thank their efforts.