A History of Economic Theory and Method, Sixth Edition

Known for its clarity, comprehensiveness, and balance, the latest edition of A History of Economic Theory and Method continues that tradition of excellence. Ekelund and Hébert's survey provides historical and international contexts for how economic models have served social needs throughout the centuries beginning with the ancient Greeks through the present time. The authors not only trace ideas that have persisted but skillfully demonstrate that past, discredited ideas also have a way of spawning critical thinking and encouraging new directions in economic analysis.

Coverage that distinguishes the Sixth Edition from its predecessors includes a detailed analysis of economic solutions by John Stuart Mill and Edwin Chadwick to problems raised by the Industrial Revolution; the role of psychology and "experiments" in understanding demand and consumer behavior; discussions of modern economic theory as it interrelates with other social sciences; and a close look at the historical development of the critical role of entrepreneurship, both in its productive and unproductive variants.

The authors' creative approach gives readers a feel for the thought processes of the great minds in economics and underscores key ideas impacting contemporary thought and practice. Well-crafted discussions are further enriched by absorbing examples and figures. Thorough suggested reading lists give options for more in-depth explorations by interested readers.

Not-for-sale instructor resource material available to college and university faculty only; contact publisher directly.

"Ekelund & Hébert have produced a well-researched and brilliantly written text. The authors are ingenious and erudite, and their text is comprehensive. They bring their supremely important, yet often neglected, subject matter to life." --Steve H. Hanke, The Johns Hopkins University

"I have used the Ekelund-Hebert text for ten years. Each update has been an exciting improvement. This new edition's addition of social science integration gives a robust twist to the age-old dilemma, 'How do we choose?'" --Charles Starnes, Wayland Baptist University

"I love the sixth edition's added emphasis on entrepreneurship as the concept is incredibly important to the development of the history of economic thought, yet goes missing in many modern treatments of economics." --Michael Clark, Hillsdale College