This was a required college text that I dreaded. I love fantasy and science fiction; I knew that an economics text was going to be the death of me. However, once I got reading, I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it! First, Veblen has a sense of humor, which certainly helps it go down. I also had no idea how much influence the book has had on society. He coined the term "conspicuous consumption," which is something I grew up hearing people say. In the end, he takes some very heady economic theory and explains it in a way that is easy to understand (even people who have no interest in economics whatsoever). He looks at economics in history (starting with cave men) and continues through to what is still absolutely applicable today, despite first publication coming in 1899. Highly recommended!