Lot #119: Freakonomics (2005) & Super Freakonomics (2009) by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner

Freakonomics and Super Freakonomics are books by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner that use economic principles and data analysis to explore hidden truths and unconventional ideas about human behavior and societal phenomena. Summary: 1) Freakonomics is fundamentally the study of incentives, and how applying this lens to non-traditional subjects can reveal surprising insights into how the world works. Example: analyzes topics like the relationship between crime rates and abortion, the naming conventions of parents, and the information advantages of sumo wrestlers; and 2) Super Freakonomics builds on the first book by applying the "freakonomics" approach to even more complex and sometimes "repugnant" topics, focusing on finding innovative, data-driven solutions to big problems. Example: looks at the economics of prostitution and terrorism, the reasons behind altruism and apathy, and the potential impact of eating kangaroo meat on climate change. Hardcover books. Dimensions: Approximately 9 x 6.5 inches. Pickup category timeslot {A}