Elaine Schwartz, founder of econlife, masterfully teaches core economic concepts through everyday life and U.S. history in her new book, Econ 101 1/2 The Foundation. The first in a series, the book explores the pioneering thinkers and events that have shaped the economic history of the United States. Combining historic reference points, people, and a circular flow model, it conveys the power of the market. The trade-offs that drive the players in the circular flow model are basic to Schwartz's economic explanations. The book also returns consistently to a list of Current Connections at the end of each chapter. Linked to articles from Elaine's daily blog on econlife.com, these Connections frame the timeless economic concepts explained in the book within the context of modern-day events. Throughout, readers are treated to marvelous illustrations by American cartoonist, Ted Goff.