I'd recommend this along w/ "The Economic Way of Thinking" by Heyne, as the two best Econ textbooks I've read. Mankiw's book is fair and balanced, he is not a frothing at the mouth partisan, and it is a straightforward explanation of basic economic terms. However, he establishes a handful of core truths that anyone who wishes to understand economics must accept, and if not accept, explain as to why these certain truths don't apply. For example, Mankiw establishes that 1.) free markets work better than regulated markets, 2.) private property and incentives are necessary for productivity 3.) trade makes everyone wealthier.

He does not explain these in a polemical way, but he calmly establishes a solid case for these (and other principles), and despite being fairly standard in economic circles, they are fairly contentious in the realm of political economics and discourse (particularly on the collegiete level, where English Major Marxists think they know more about the social order than those who study the social order). This makes the book more persuasive than a fire and brimstone screed from an Ann Coulter type. Books like this need to be read by all to improve the Economical I.Q. of the voting public.

The text is excellent and is suitable for any type of introductary Ecnonomics class. It can be used in a tough course or an easy course, as it provides a great level of organization so that the instructor may choose the material at his discretion depending on his course lay out.

Among all the textbooks I have seen in economics, I have found Mankiw's to be the best. It is clear and concise, addressing all the important intermediate issues in macroeconomics. The description of concepts is simple, and the book benefits from a three pronged approach to teaching - graphical, mathematical, and anecdotal. The student is free to choose whichever one he feels most comfortable learning from.

As an instructor of introductory macroeconomics, I often rue the fact that we do not utilize this textbook. I borrow material from it INCESSANTLY and without shame.

It presents the "Keynesian" viewpoint on macroeconomics in an extraordinarily clear and interesting fashion. Frankly, I consider the introductory (read literally - first semester macro books) texts to be a waste of time. There is absolutely no reason this textbook should not be used for a first semester macroeconomics course (assuming one has already taken an introductory microeconomics course).

Suggested plan of study for those interested in a fairly serious study of macroeconomics (without an INSANE amount of mathematical preparation): this book and Barro's book with the same title. Barro's book presents the real business cycle theory approach in a clear manner (though the book is somewhat dull in comparison)...then decide for yourself which 'camp' is making the most sense.

I am about the most critical reader you will ever find. There is not one textbook in 50 that I'd likely give a rating above a "C-minus" (or above a 2 of 5 rating). However, I give this textbook an unequivocal A++ (or 5 of 5.) It's as good as it gets for an Introduction to Macroeconomics. It covers all the broad range of basics that you would want for this type of course. It provides you with an extremely clear understanding BEFORE it builds upon that as a new building block towards the next chapter. It also explains these basics to just the perfect level and depth for and introduction level. When you are finished, you will feel very comfortable with how much you are able to comprehend the subject. Mr. Mankiw is clearly one of those few gifted authors who are able to explain topics with such clarity that there will be no misunderstanding at all. He is thorough, clear, and precise. Additionally, he makes a subject that might otherwise seem boring to some, come across as quite interesting. I was so impressed that I sought out the author and informed him just how impressed I was with his ability to convey such understanding. After four years of college textbooks on a multitude of subjects, this is perhaps the best written textbook when it comes to passing on UNDERSTANDING I have ever read. The reader might be surprised just how much he/she has grasped when they are finished. I highly recommend that other colleges adopt this as their primary Intro to Macro Economics textbook as did my college. It appears that Harvard has opted for hiring quality professors (such as Mr. Mankiw) who are gifted in teaching, rather than hiring academicians that communicate without conveying clear comprehension. Again, this book receives my very highest and very enthusiastic recommendations. I can not imagine anyone being disappointed with this book.