The essays in this volume demonstrate the power of using history to improve our understanding of the economic and social challenges of the present and future. A... » 

The essays in this volume demonstrate the power of using history to improve our understanding of the economic and social challenges of the present and future. A distinguished group of authors provide new perspectives on the dynamics of economic growth, the challenges of economic and political transitions, and the relationships between economic growth, institutional development and individual well-being in mature industrial societies. «