From classical economics to development economics

Most development economists are versed only in the post-World War II period of their subject. But economic growth was a major concern in the eighteenth century, and colonial economics and policy commanded much attention in the nineteenth and first half of the twentieth centuries. A return to these earlier concerns can now provide present-day development economists with freater appreciation of the intellectual history of their subject. Even more, such a return may strengthen the conceptual and empirical foundations of the subject. These are this book's objectives. The contents range from general exposition of the relevance of classical economics for development issues to specific studies of countries and periods in terms of export-led development, colonial policy, colonial economic thought, and the role of government. Taken as a whole, the volume will widen the perspective of development economists and encourage fresh thinking for the future in light of the past.