"The objective of the book is to organize, evaluate, speculate, and inspire. On all counts, it succeeds magnificently, and undoubtedly will help speed the way toward the next landmark in this field."--Journal of Economic Literature

"A lucid and even entertaining introduction to modern research in consoumption...a valuable reference for anyone actively engaged in research in the area."--Southern Economic Journal

"The most impressive study on the economics of consumption to date....The superb structure of this book makes it an excellent text for an advanced course in economics of consumption and saving....The fascinating analysis and the exhaustive bibliography in this book make it a valuable source for all researchers, faculty, students, and anyone with special interest in the area of consumption and saving."--Journal of Consumer Affairs

"There has been a veritable explosion of econometric work on consumption in recent years...Deaton has been behind some of it and is on top of all of it. There is no better way to get up to date."--Alan S. Blinder, Princeton University

"The book does an impressive job of integrating the insights available from many sources, drawing on theory as well as econometric evidence, and micro as well as macro models. Understanding Consumption is lucid, intuitive, and eminently readable."--Marjorie Flavin, University of Virginia