Inflation is the increase in the prices of goods and services across an economy. When prices inflate, you need more money to buy the same things. The opposite of inflation is deflation, when prices are lower across a range of goods and services.
James Howell, a 17th century historian cum writer was the first writer to earn his living from writing alone in the English language; other writers of those times pursued writing as a hobby, not a profession as writing alone never paid enough.
The first author listed is called the lead author. This may be the only author for whom information is provided, or there may be information on all the authors. Sometimes one author is a PhD and the other authors are graduate students working with him/her. Be sure at least one author is an expert.