“We have tried to write a book that is mathematically honest but not obsessively so, and that shows how mathematics is used in economics without losing sight of the economics.” Rating: ★★★★★ (for its purpose) Warning: Not a casual read; treat it as a year-long companion, not a weekend review.
Here’s a concise of Mathematics for Economists by Carl P. Simon and Lawrence Blume, suitable for a course description, study guide, or review. Write-Up: Mathematics for Economists – Simon & Blume Authors: Carl P. Simon (Mathematics) & Lawrence Blume (Economics) Target Audience: Advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students in economics Prerequisites: Single-variable calculus, some linear algebra (though the book reviews the basics) Main Purpose: To provide a rigorous yet accessible bridge between elementary calculus and the mathematical tools needed for modern economic theory (micro, macro, econometrics). Overview & Philosophy Unlike many "math for economists" texts that focus on recipes, Simon & Blume emphasize understanding the logic behind the math . The book is built on the premise that economists don’t just need computational skill—they need to read and write proofs, understand optimization deeply, and handle dynamic systems.