Comparative Political Economy: A Retrospective

Product Description

Charles P. Kindleberger’s rich and distinguised career has spanned nearly six decades. The essays collected here reflect the author’s shift in interests from foreign exchange to international trade, economic growth, and economic history, especially financial history. They also contain dollops of sociology and political science. Kindleberger views himself as a historical economist who tests economic propositions against the historical record in more than one setting. The collection contains many of the jewels of Kindleberger’s work. Most of the papers are strong on comparison (within Western Europe and between Europe and the United States), on economic or financial history, and on social science beyond the confines of economics.

Review

Charles Kindleberger, the great economic historian, has produced many brilliant essays, scattered in a variety of journals and occasional publications. What a delight to find them collected here! The student of Kindelberger’s work will discover both old favorites and other essays formerly overlooked. Comparative Political Economy is a must for the bookshelf of any student of political economy. (Robert O. Keohane, James B. Duke Professor of Political Science, Duke University)

For 65 years, in countless books and articles, Professor Kindleberger has applied his astounding knowledge and insight to economic analysis and economic history. No one, whether economist or layman, can fail to benefit from the learning and wisdom displayed in this collection. (H.W. Arndt, Editor,
Asian Pacific Economic Literature Journal, National Centre for Development Studies, Australian National University)

This collection of essays — spanning six productive decades of work — is vintage Kindleberger. It is erudite, informative, sometimes provocative, often charming, and handles serious issues of economic and financial management — past and present — with a light and discerning touch. (Richard N. Cooper, Maurits C. Boas Professor of International Economics, Harvard University)

These essays, written over the course of sixty years by our foremost historical economist, constitute an indispensable guide to the economic and political development of the modern world. They will be read, treasured, and returned to again and again by all those with an interest in understanding the world political economy. (Jeffry A. Frieden, Professor of Government, Harvard University)

About the Author

Charles P. Kindleberger is Ford International Professor of Economics Emeritus, MIT and Visiting Professor, Brandeis University.