The British mercantilist writers of the 17th and 18th centuries had great influence on modern economics. Their writings, especially on trade and on money, have had an impact both through their ideas and by shaping the language in which subsequent economic debate took place. This text demonstrates that the mercantilists were more subtle and balanced economists than Smith and his followers alleged. Far from naively confusing wealth and money, the writers produced sophisticated accouts of the workings of the economic system which show a complex response to the political economy of the time. The...

Trade is the dominant subject in nineteenth century economics. During the course of the century, Britain was transformed from a protectionist power to an open economy, a change embodied by the repeal of the Corn Laws in 1846. This is reflected in the economic literature of the period, with the qualified free trade advocacy of the early classical economists developing into more strident views of the Manchester School. However throughout the period free trade did not go unchallenged, and by the end of the century a fully developed protectionist position had emerged represented by, for example,...

Has America always been the champion of free trade? Debates about free trade and protection are one of the dominant features of 19th century economic discourse. The writings of the British classical economists, in particular, have been the subject of extensive secondary literature. In contrast, the writings of their American counterparts have often been overlooked. This collection seeks to help rectify this, by giving access to an extensive range of 19th-century American writings on trade issues.

This book represents the first recent attempt to provide a comprehensive treatment of Sweden's economic development since the middle of the 18th century. It traces the rapid industrialisation, the political currents and the social ambitions, that transformed Sweden from a backward agrarian economy into what is now regarded by many as a model welfare state. Based upon comprehensive research, An Economic History of Sweden represents an invaluable resource for both economic historians and students of economic theory. Its central narrative provides historical material reaching right up to the...

This collection of papers reflects the variety of interpretations and definitions connected with the concept of mercantilism' which have evolved historically during the last two centuries. They range from interpretations of mercantilistic' ideas to interpretations of policies. They stress the relationship between economic, social and political ideas and range from the 17th to the late 20th century. Lastly, they provide us with more knowledge of specific national cases as well as a discussion of mercantilism as a general phenomenon.

This book represents the first recent attempt to provide a comprehensive treatment of Sweden's economic development since the middle of the 18th century. It traces the rapid industrialisation, the political currents and the social ambitions, that transformed Sweden from a backward agrarian economy into what is now regarded by many as a model welfare state.