Reviews

This book is unquestionably an important addition to a small but growing collection of large-scale longitudinal studies of discourse in specific workplaces. Adding to our understanding of how organizational discourses are constructed, Smart’s book effectively demonstrates how certain theories — most notably activity theory — can be usefully applied to the study of workplace communication. It will serve well as a template for the would-be researcher in the field.
Stephen Bremmer, City University of Hong Kong, in Journal of Business and Technical Communication, Volume 22, Number 4, 2008

It is a compelling, smooth and topical read about the discursive means with which economists at a financial institution negotiate, inscribe and disseminate knowledge about Canada’s monetary policy. This book is a welcome contribution to ethnographic theory, organizational discourse and applied linguistics.
Tom Van Hout, Ghent University, Journal of Writing Research

Writing the Economy is a timely, well-researched, and well-presented analysis of an increasingly critical national and international institution. It is clear, readable, and engaging. I recommend it highly.
Deborah C. Andrews, University of Delaware, in Journal of Business Communication, Vol. 46, No. 2, April 2009

Writing the Economy makes several contributions in terms of advancing theory, applying ethnography to the study of work, and examining relationships among texts. It’s a solid book, and one that I expect I’ll read again.
Clay Spinuzzi, University of Texas