As empirical research has demonstrated, economics is taught more effectively when integrated into other fields, and is perhaps particularly effective when more coupled with the classic literary works of Western culture, which allows great authors to use their erudition to convey economic concepts and topics too often treated only theoretically. Teachers and students of literature and economics have much to gain by studying economic topics and concepts in this way. Including helpful commentary from Professor Watts, The Literary Book of Economics is a refreshing treatment of the dismal science, presenting a cogent explication of free-market theory.