Eli Heckscher, International Trade, and Economic History [Hardcover]

Ronald Findlay (Editor), Rolf G H. Henriksson (Editor), Håkan Lindgren (Editor), Mats Lundahl (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 9, 2006

Eli Heckscher (1879-1952) is celebrated for his contributions to international trade theory, particularly the factor proportions theory of comparative advantage in international trade known as the Heckscher-Ohlin theory. His work in both economic theory and economic history is notable for combining theoretical insights with a profound knowledge of economic history and the history of economic thought. In this volume, leading international economists assess the importance of Heckscher's work and its relevance to the contemporary practice of economic history.The contributors first discuss Heckscher's efforts to forge the discipline of economic history by combining both the historian's careful evaluation of sources and the economist's rigorous models. The Heckscher-Ohlin theory of factor proportions is described and tested empirically. Contributors then apply the theory to historical material, including Mediterranean trade in Biblical times, the economic effects of two periods of plague eight centuries apart, and tariff policy in 35 countries from 1870 to 1938. Heckscher's masterly work on mercantilism, the Continental Blockade, and Swedish economic history is also described and appraised in light of recent historical research.Contributors:Benny Carlson, François Crouzet, Lance E. Davis, Stanley L. Engerman, Ronald Findlay, Harry Flam, Rolf G. H. Henriksson, Eva, Einar, Ivar, and Sten Heckscher, Douglas A. Irwin, Ronald W. Jones, Deepak Lal, Håkan Lindgren, Mats Lundahl, Lars Magnusson, Joel Mokyr, Mats Morell, Patrick O'Brien, Kevin H. O'Rourke, Bo Sandelin, Lennart Schön, Johan Söderberg, Peter Temin, Jeffrey G. Williamson

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A brilliant array of scholars in economics and economic history provide a panoramic view of the work of the great Eli Heckscher. It is compelling reading for specialists and aspirants in both fields."--Donald R. Davis, Professor and Chairman, Department of Economics, Columbia University

"This useful and stimulating book makes interesting reading for anyone who is interested in studying the historical development of economic theory and the birth of economic history. [...] Economists will enjoy reading this book, edited with affection and precision by scholars who are well-known in this field (R. Findlay, R.G.H. Henriksson, H. Lindgren and M. Lundahl), and will profit professionally from it." Piero Barucci The Journal of European Economic History

"Markusen has penned a dream book on multinationals for students and specialists alike. The questions are essential, the results rich, and the exposition exquisite."--Donald R. Davis, Professor and Chairman, Department of Economics, Columbia University

About the Author

Leading international economists assess Eli Heckscher's contributions to economics and economic history, especially his efforts to bridge the gap between the two.

Håkan Lindgren is Professor of Economic History and Director of the Institute for Research in Economic History at the Stockholm School of Economics

Product Details

• Hardcover: 560 pages
• Publisher: The MIT Press (June 9, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0262062518
• ISBN-13: 978-0262062510
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,915,616 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)