A cut above the West: America’s astounding economy

Contrary to the groaning of both Republicans and Democrats, the economy is still the world’s largest. How has this success been sustained? We ask why choosing the wrong degree could leave you worse off than if you had never bothered at all. And our correspondent’s picks of the books that have been banned.For full access to print, digital and audio editions of The Economist, try a free 30-day digital subscription by going to www.economist.com/intelligenceoffer