Why does popcorn cost so much at the movies? When does it make sense not to recycle? Why are laws against polygamy detrimental to women? Steven Landsburg, noted economist, demystifies the economics of everyday behaviour in these witty and accessible essays. Professor Landsburg examines everything from taxes, unemployment and illiteracy to the mating game, the death penalty and environmentalism to solve the puzzling questions that occur in daily living. Both controversial and humourous, The Armchair Economist is about the things that we find mysterious, and why we find them mysterious, and shows how the laws of economics can reveal themselves in surprising ways. Put your convictions to the test with the Armchair Economist.