In Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? Richard Maybury uses historical events from Ancient Rome to explain economic principles. This clearly written book about economics is a remarkably easy and fun explanation of investment cycles, velocity, business cycles, recessions, inflation, the demand for money and more. Essential for every student, businessperson and investor. Recommended by former U.S. Treasury Secretary William Simon. It is also on many recommended reading lists.

Using the epistolary style of writing (using letters to tell a story), Mr. Maybury plays the part of an economist (Uncle Eric) writing a series of letters to his niece or nephew (Chris). Using stories and examples, Mr. Maybury gives interesting and clear explanations of topics that are generally thought to be too difficult for anyone but experts.

Mr. Maybury warns, "Beware of anyone who tells you a topic is above you or better left to experts. Many people are twice as smart as they think they are, but they've been intimidated into believing some topics are above them. You can understand almost anything if it is explained well."

Look for in the seventh edition:
1) New: Beyond the Basics "Fear Has Become the Driver". An explanation regarding how human emotions can affect the economy.
2) Updated: Runaway inflations.
3) Updated: Nations and Legal Systems.
4) Updated and/or Revised: graphs, charts, and back matter.
5) Minor updates throughout to reflect current numbers, statistics, dates, and data.