From blind faith in ever-rising housing prices to plummeting confidence in capital markets, 'animal spirits' are driving financial events worldwide. This book aims to challenge the economic wisdom that got us into this mess, and puts forward a fresh vision that can transform economics and restore prosperity.

Acclaimed economists Akerlof and Shiller challenge the economic wisdom that got America into its current financial mess and put forward a bold new vision to transform and restore prosperity.

"[T]he authors are . . . [b]oth . . . credited with a deep understanding of economic history, the history of economic thought, and today's global economic environment. That makes this book a 'must read' for anyone seeking insights into recent economic events and seeking ways of crafting government policies to prevent another similar economic downturn."---Jagadeesh Gokhale, Cato Journal