Market failure is a term widely used by politicians journalists and university and Alevel economics students and teachers. However those who use the term often lack any sense of proportion about the ability of government to correct market failures. This arises partly from the lack of general knowledge and lack of coverage in economics syllabuses of Public Choice economics. Public Choice economics applies realistic insights about human behaviour to the process of government and it is extremely helpful for all those who have an interest in or work in public policy to understand this discipline. If we assume that at least some of those involved in the political process whether elected representatives bureaucrats regulators public sector workers or electors will act in their own selfinterest rather than in the general public interest it should give us much less confidence that government can correct market failure. This complex area of economics has been summarised in a very clear primer by Eamonn Butler. The author helps the reader to understand the limits of the governments ability to correct market failure and also explains the implications of public choice economics for the design of systems of government a topic that is highly relevant in contemporary political debate. This text is an important contribution for all who seek to understand better the role that government should play in economic life.