One of the fundamental economic problems is one of making the best use of limited resources. As a result, mathematical optimisation methods play a crucial role in economic theory. This volume covers the use of such methods in applied and policy contexts.

This introduction to economic theory concentrates on some of the most important matters with which theory deals. Beginning by developing the general criteria of efficiency in the allocation of resources between alternative uses, the book then illustrates how efficient allocation can be promoted directly, by state planning, or indirectly by private enterprise. An analysis of the working of business competition in both its free and restricted forms follows, and analysis of the determination of the general levels of production employment and prices is also included.

This volume analyses value and equilibrium. Chapters on the decisions of household and on the theory of the firm (including short and long-term planning and investment) include both static and dynamic analysis.

The connection between productive labour and effective demand has often been ignored and disputed in political economy, even by giants like Ricardo and Marx. This book traces the historical development of theories, concentrating in particularly on those of Malthus, Marx and Keynes. Particular attention is also paid to the Great Depression in the UK and USA.

Varying according to the scope of Hayek's contributions, the papers in this volume include: an affirmation of the relevance of Hayek's work; a survey of his contribution to knowledge; and an appraisal of Hayek's innovative work on the methodology of the social sciences.

The birth of Physiocracy was the birth of the science of economics in the broad general form in which it is known to us today but it is surprising that the Physiocrats should have received so little attention from economists in the English-speaking world. This book fills that gap.

Containing footnotes and an extensive bibliography, this edition of Franz Mehring's biography is designed to assist the reader towards a better understanding of Marx, his work and a history of Marxism.

This is one of the first complete surveys of McCulloch's work, and it shows his thought to have been far more complex and comprehensive than has previously been realized.

Ricardo is one of the most imposing figures in the history of economic thought, yet at times his writings are among the most obscure. This book traces, simplifies and clarifies Ricardo's ideas on the principal topics on which he wrote. It also provides an analysis of Ricardo's most cryptic passages and explores areas where Ricardo appears to be mistaken. Setting his writings against the context of his contemporaries, the relevance of the Ricardian contribution to subsequent economic thinking is made very clear.

The articles in this volume were written in honour of Frederick A. von Hayek and cover the whole scope of his thought. Many of the essays use Hayek's own writings as a starting point.