'Essential Economics' started off its life as a set of class notes, given to students, to help introduce them to the new subject of Economics. Students often used these notes to help them prepare for final IB Diploma exams. Since then the notes have expanded into the present slim volume 'Essential Economics'. The aim is to cover the key ideas precisely and succinctly, and in a memorable way, in contrast to much longer textbooks which are often unread by students.