Talking to My Daughter about the Economy: A Brief History of Capitalism

Why is there so much inequality?

In this short book, world famous economist Yanis Varoufakis sets out to answer his daughter Xenia’s deceptively simple question. Using personal stories and famous myths – from Oedipus and Faust to Frankenstein and The Matrix – he explains what the economy is and why it has the power to shape our lives.

Intimate yet universally accessible, Talking To My Daughter About the Economy introduces readers to the most important drama of our times, helping to make sense of a troubling world while inspiring us to make it a better one.


"Utterly accessible, deeply humane and startlingly original – a potent democratic tool at the perfect time" (Naomi Klein, author of No Is Not Enough)

"A provocative, challenging, yet non-patronising analysis of the global economy: what it is, how it came to be and why it can never be apolitical. By using ancient myths, contemporary culture and family stories, Varoufakis makes the text intimate and accessible" (Nigel Jones Observer)

"One of the most accurate and detailed descriptions of modern power ever written" (Guardian on Adults In The Room)

"Varoufakis has the greatest political virtues of all – courage and honesty" (The Times)

"One of my few heroes. As long as people like Varoufakis are around, there still is hope" (Slavoj Zizek)