A classic in its field, this pathbreaking book humanized the scientific rhetoric of economics to reveal its literary soul. Economics needs to admit that it, like other sciences, works with metaphors and stories. Its most mathematical and statistical moments are properly dominated by comparison and narration, that is to say, human persuasion. The book was McCloskey's opening move in the development of a "humanomics," and unification of the sciences and the humanities on the field of ordinary business life.

“The most thoughtful book on economics in years.”—Philadelphia Enquirer

“McCloskey takes aim at the ‘dismal science’s’ scientific pretensions in this pathfinding, elegantly written, and intellectually razor-sharp book.”—Washington Post

“McCloskey must be credited with the singular achievement of introducing the major philosophers of the twentieth century into a discussion of the methodology of economics.”—Times Literary Supplement