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The Cambridge History of "Capitalism"

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  • Peter Temin

Abstract

This review essay of the two-volume Cambridge History of Capitalism (2014), edited by Larry Neal and Jeffrey G. Williamson, is divided into three parts. First, I describe three chapters from the second volume that I recommend for all economists to add depth to their understanding of the world economy today. Robert C. Allen analyzes the world distribution of income; Randall Morck and Bernard Yeung discuss the history of business groups; and Peter Lindert surveys private and public programs to help the poor. In each case, they analyze historical backgrounds that illuminate current issues. Second, I criticize the definition of capitalism used in these volumes as too expansive to be useful. I argue that this definition mars the essays in first volume by stimulating a fruitless search for capitalism in the millennium before the Industrial Revolution. Third, I describe the essays in this reference work starting from the most recent and ending with those about antiquity. (JEL N00, P10)

Suggested Citation

  • Peter Temin, 2015. "The Cambridge History of "Capitalism"," Journal of Economic Literature, American Economic Association, vol. 53(4), pages 996-1016, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:aea:jeclit:v:53:y:2015:i:4:p:996-1016
    Note: DOI: 10.1257/jel.53.4.996
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • N00 - Economic History - - General - - - General
    • P10 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - General

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