Recently, my mother was cleaning out her basement, and she came across a book which I purchased (well used) when I was in college. I thought this book was long gone, and I was thrilled to find it was not lost. The book, Economics In Rhyme, was written by Willford Isabell King, Ph, D., Professor of Economics at New York University. It was published by Richard G. Badger, The Gorham Press, in 1928.

The book is fascinating. To think that some few educated individuals bemoaned the public's lack of understanding of basic economic tenets 80 years ago, and that we are no closer to general understanding of these basic principles today is unfortunate. On the other hand, the book is entertaining without regard to any of this. I don't know how much I can share legally, as I have forgotten most of my copyright law in the 20 or so years since I graduated from college. I would at least, however, like to share the preface:

That political issues before us today
Are in main economic, one scarce will gainsay;
But voters who've studied this science are
few---
A lack which to faulty school programs is
due---

Hence erroneous beliefs and fallacies vicious
Have spread through the land with results
most pernicious;
Policies specious are hailed with applause
And tenets unsound are embodied in laws.

To the end that the truth may come to prevail,
The economist ought these false beliefs to
assail.
He should set forth the facts without favor
or fear,
Demolish the fallacies, make issues clear.

Once deep in the mind a jingle is set,
With ease it's retained, it's hard to forget;
And the boy or the girl learning these rhymes
by heart
Will have valuable assets which ne'er will
depart.

To things that the voter needs always in mind,
To ideas essential, this book is confined;
And doubtless the reader has sensed by this
time
The excuse for its writing and why it's in
rhyme.