Why is a life saved from a terrorist attack felt to be worth two saved from a natural disaster? Why are men more valuable than women? Why do Americans tip when Europeans don''t? And how can orange juice be used to predict the weather?

The Price of Everything starts with a simple idea: behind every decision we make lies a price, whether that''s buying a cup of coffee, taking a new job, or deciding to become a parent. Prices are the invisible thread that connect and explain our society, our economy, our culture, our mistakes and our successes. Revealing connections that are ingenious and unexpected, Eduardo Porter shows just how fundamental the price of things, work, happiness, faith, family and the future are - both to our everyday behaviour and to civilisation as we know it.