Principles of Economics

For general principles, I recommend https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Economics-7th-Gregory-Mank... (https://www.amazon.com/Principles-Economics-7th-Gregory-Mankiw/dp/128516587X) I started with vulgarisation but it didn't lead me very far. This is a reference textbook used by economics students around the world. It's surprisingly entertaining and teaches you the basic concepts of macro and micro economics.

It really depends on what level of Economics understanding you currently possess. For a complete newbie to economics, I would definitely recommend: http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Economics-N-Gregory-Mankiw/... (http://www.amazon.com/Principles-Economics-N-Gregory-Mankiw/dp/0538453052/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323964558&sr=1-4) It is a solid book, and you cannot go wrong with it. However, if you want a more thorough understanding of economics, with the mathematics laid out etc. then there are other more advanced economics text for that. Also, I think, given the topics you highlighted, you want to understand more about Macroeconomics, as such these MIT lectures might help: http://ocw.mit.edu/courses/economics/ Also, remember is Economics, like in any subject, there is wide diversity of viewpoints. The best way to choose a side, I feel, is to really look deep into the a topic, delve a bit into the math and make informed decisions as to what gels with your point of view. Ping me if you need any more resources

the best selling book is currently Mankiw's Principle of Economics (Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/6euszg). i highly recommend his blog too (http://gregmankiw.blogspot.com/)