Welcome to Mark Skousen's Website: Independent Thought for Independent Thinkers

Mark Skousen has authored almost 30 books on financial and economic topics. Additionally, he has written many booklets and handbooks on a variety of subjects including history and religion.

Economics

Economic Logic 2nd edition coverEconomic Logic (2nd Edition)
(Capital Press, 2008)

This is Professor Mark Skousen's much anticipated 2nd edition of Economic Logic, which includes for the first time his chapters on macroeconomic theory and government policy. (The 1st edition is only microeconomics.) Skousen's textbook promises a revolutionary pedagogy in teaching economics, with a new micro model that starts with the profit-and-loss income statement and a new 4-stage macro model that integrates micro and macro. Click here for a full summary of this exciting new textbook!

 

The Making of Modern Economics (2nd Edition)The Making of Modern Economics (2nd Edition)
(M.E. Sharpe, c. 2009, 495 pages, illustrated.  Available in hardback and paperback.)

Here is a bold, new account of the lives and ideas of the great economists--Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, Ludwig von Mises, Milton Friedman, and many others--all written by a top free-market economist. Presented in an entertaining and persuasive style, Professor Mark Skousen tells a powerful story of economics, with dozens of anecdotes, illustrations and photographs of the great economic thinkers. Click here to read more about it!

 

EconoPower coverEconoPower: How a New Generation of Economists is Transforming the World
(Wiley & Sons, 2008)

The power of economic thinking can be explained by seven core principles -- accountability, cost-benefit analysis, competition, choice, incentives, investment, and welfare. By understanding and incorporating these principles, better decisions will be made on individual, corporate and government levels. To explain this thesis, the author offers analyses of key economists who have effected significant changes in major domestic and international issues. Click here for more information on EconoPower!

 

Big Three in Economics coverBig Three in Economics: Adam Smith, Karl Marx and John Maynard Keynes
(M.E. Sharpe, 2007)

The Big Three in Economics, a fascinating new book by Dr. Mark Skousen, Ph.D., is based on the latest historical data and"tell-all" biographies, woven into a cunning plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, and reveals the lives and ideas of the three greatest economic thinkers of all time:

Adam Smith, whose invisible hand concept and vision of rich and poor flourishing together under laissez faire and an unfettered market;
Karl Marx, whose radical solution to the problem of exploitation of the underpriviledged appealed to workers and intellectuals around the globe; and,
John Maynard Keynes, whose theoretical approach to remedy a crisis-prone market system through activist government policies seemed a perfect solution to the Great Depression.

Click here for more information on the Big Three in Economics!

Also available in AudioBook format!

 

The Structure of Production (2nd Edition) coverThe Structure of Production (2nd Edition)
(NYU Press, 2007)

Since its release in 1990, The Structure of Production has been the underground bible for supply-side economics and Austrian macroeconomics, and an analytical tool to explain asset bubbles, commodity inflation, and financial instability.

Mark Skousen provides a new introduction that updates his four-stage model with new statistical evidence, applications to textbooks, and historical interpretation. Click here for more details on the updates to The Structure of Production.


Vienna and Chicago coverVienna and Chicago, Friends or Foes?
A Tale of Two Schools of Free-Market Economics
(Capital Press, 2005)

In his book, Vienna and Chicago, Friends or Foes? economist and author Mark Skousen debates the Austrian and Chicago schools of free-market economics, two schools in constant, heated disagreement in their theories of money, business cycle, government policy, and methodology. Click here for more information on the book including remarks by Ken Schoolland, the table of contents and more.

 

The Power of Economic Thinking by Mark SkousenThe Power of Economic Thinking
(Foundation for Economic Education, 2002)

In his provocative book, Mark Skousen contends that economics is no longer the "dismal" science. It is now the "imperial" science, invading like an army the new frontiers of crime, politics, religion, Wall Street, subjecting new economic analysis to gun rights, racial dscrimination, drug abuse, professional sports, health care, grade-school education, and environmentalism. Click here to read more about The Power of Economic Thinking with a glimpse at the Table of Contents!



Investing and Personal Finance

Investing in One Lesson coverInvesting in One Lesson
(Regnery Publishing, 2007)

"If you could identify one lesson of investing, what would it be?"

This question, repeatedly asked of Mark Skousen by everyday investors, intrigued the stock market expert. Could he sum up his decades-long experience as an investment advisor, professor, and writer in a single lesson? Was it possible both to explain the cryptic workings of the stock market and also relate a comprehensive investing strategy in just one book? This book represents the definitive answer to that question. With Investing In One Lesson, Dr. Skousen has compiled a primer that will put even the most baffled investor on the road to success in the stock market. Mixing sober investment guidance with compelling stories from Dr. Skousen's years of exploration in the stock market jungle, Investing In One Lesson is an engaging, indispensable guide for surviving and thriving in the peculiar universe of Wall Street. Click here more on this incredible book!

 

High Finance on a Low Budget coverHigh Finance on a Low Budget
(Dearborn Financial Publishing, c. 1997, $24.95)
Co-authored with wife Jo Ann Skousen, this book is in its seventh edition and is an excellent primer on getting started in investing. A main selection of the Money Book Club.

The New Scrooge InvestingThe New Scrooge Investing
(Little, Brown & Co., c. 1996, $19.95)
A main selection of the Money Book Club, this second edition shows investors how to be bargain hunters and be cost-conscience when investing in stocks, mutual funds, real estate, collectibles, precious metals and foreign investments.


Secrets of the Great Investors coverSecrets of the Great Investors
(Knowledge Products, $14.95 per set, $295 collection)

This cassette tape series about investing is narrated by Louis Rukeyser, famed host of the weekly TV series, Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser, and edited by Mark Skousen. There are 26 tapes in all (13 sets) including two with scripts by Mark's wife Jo Ann: "Investment Philosophers" and "Collectibles." Mark wrote "The Financial Economists."


Miscellaneous Topics

Ben Franklin Autobiography coverThe Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (1706-1757) (Vol. I)
Edited with an introduction by Mark Skousen

(Regnery Publishing, 2007)

A must-read for everyone interested in American history, Franklin's engaging autobiography paints a vivid portrait, in his own words, of the man who would become one of America's most beloved Founding Fathers. With an introduction and edited by direct descendant Mark Skousen, this classic and beloved book is well followed by The Compleated Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin, which finishes what the original Autobiography begins, taking the reader from 1757 through Franklin's death in 1790 – years for which Ben Franklin is most famous. Click here for more information.

 

Compleated Autobiography coverThe Compleated Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin (1757-1790) (Vol. II)
Edited by Mark Skousen

(Regnery Publishing, 2007)

Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography is one of the greatest autobiographies of all time—but it was incomplete. Franklin ended his life’s story in 1757, when he was fifty-one. He lived another thirty-three eventful years, serving as America’s advocate in London, Pennsylvania’s representative in the Continental Congress, and America’s wartime ambassador to France. Here is the rest of the story, in Franklin’s own words. Mark Skousen is a descendant of Benjamin Franklin through Franklin’s grandson Louis Bache. Click here for more information on Franklin's originial Autobiography and the new Compleated Autobiography by Benjamin Franklin.

 

Out-of-Print Classics

Economics on Trial coverEconomics on Trial
(Business One Irwin, c. 1991, 1993, $24.95)
A critique of modern-day economics, written for the intelligent layman. It introduces the principles of sound economics through a review of the top 10 textbooks in college economics.
La economia entela de juicio
(Addison-Wesley Iberoamericana, SA, c. 1994)
The Spanish translation of Economics on Trial.

 

 

Dissent on Keynes
(Praeger, c. 1992, $29.95)
A cogent and provocative compilation of papers that challenge and refute Keynesian economic thought, written by free-market economists such as Murray Rothbard, Roger Garrison, Bruce Bartlett and Mark Skousen.

 

Puzzles and Paradoxes in Economics coverPuzzles & Paradoxes in Economics
(Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd., c. 1997, $24.95)
Co-authored with fellow Rollins College professor of economics, Kenna C. Taylor, the book attempts to explain 46 puzzles in economic life, such as why does bad economic news often cause stock prices to rise? Why do some grocery items such as catsup, peanut butter and tuna sell for more per ounce in larger sizes?

Austrian Economics for Investors coverAustrian Economics for Investors
(Pickering & Chatto Ltd., c. 1995, $9.95)
Ludwig von Mises goes to Wall Street. Applies the basic theories of the "Austrian" school to investing. Theories of the great Austrian economists highlighted.

Economics of a Pure Gold Standard coverEconomics of a Pure Gold Standard
(Foundation for Economic Education, c. 1997, $14.95)
Now in its third edition, this paperback thoughtfully makes the clear case for the gold standard as the best monetary system.

Mark Skousen's 30-Day Plan to Financial Independence coverMark Skousen's 30-Day Plan to Financial Independence
(Regnery Publishing, c. 1995, $19.95)
Outlining a simple day-by-day formula for achieving financial independence, it includes information about how to invest and build wealth automatically, cut back on wasteful expenditures and get your financial house in order.

The Investor's Bible: Mark Skousen's Principles of Investment
(Phillips Publishing, $99.95 400-page coursebook)

For years, I taught two classes at Rollins College in Winter Park, Fl each semester. In the spring semester, I taught "Austrian Economics" and in the fall semester, "Principles of Investments." My investments course has been published by Phillips Publishing Inc. The Investor's Bible involves 21 lectures on all aspects of investing.

The Complete Guide to Financial Privacy coverComplete Guide to Financial Privacy
(Simon & Schuster, c. 1983)
Early in his career, Mark Skousen was known as "Mr. Privacy." This book explains the principles behind leading a low-profile life, while teaching the investing and tax techniques that shelter finances and lives from government meddling.

Tax Free
(Simon & Schuster, c. 1982)
Techniques and methods for reducing taxes, maximizing legitimate deductions and exposing legal ways to get what you want without paying taxes.


Never Say Budget
(Skousen Publishing, Inc., c. 1983)
This books helps you get control of your finances without resorting to a "budget," because budgets don't work anyway. A step-by-step approach to handling money and building wealth without a restrictive, ineffective budget.

Playing the Price Controls Game
(Arlington House, c. 1977)
Although the economy is not plagued with price controls today, this book provides an understanding of the effects price controls have on the economy, stock market and personal finances.

Thunder Broke the Heavens
(Skousen Publishing, Inc., c. 1984)
A powerful biography of Mark's father, Leroy B. Skousen, an FBI agent, lawyer, popular speaker and spiritual giant, who died early at the age of 46. A truly moving story.

Sunshine in the Soul
(Skousen Publishing, Inc., c. 1996)
A brief history of the growth of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the state of Florida. Little-known and entertaining stories, as well as accounts of tragic persecution and overcoming adversity, make the Church history in Florida come alive.

Wit and Wisdom of Benjamin Franklin
(Pickering & Chatto, c. 1996)
An eighth-generation descendant of Old Ben himself, Mark Skousen has written a marvelous little book that highlights exciting and little known stories of Franklin's life, famous and powerful sayings, and debunks common myths about the man.