This book contains a selection of the Wincott lectures, given by eminent economists (including four Nobel laureates). Economists do not always communicate their theories to the general public. But all the contributors to this volume have achieved a perfect balance between practical relevance and sound economic reasoning. For this reason their lectures remain refreshing and fascinating. In addition, with economic discourse becoming more and more mathematically formulated, these lectures are a striking example of how important concepts can be communicated simply. Every one of these advances our understanding of the market economy and how it relates to political decisions.