Theory of Economic Development. This item is unavailable.Theory of Economic Development

Schumpeter proclaims in this classical analysis of capitalist society first published in 1911 that economics is a natural self-regulating mechanism when undisturbed by "social and other meddlers." In his preface he argues that despite weaknesses, theories are based on logic and provide structure for understanding fact.

Of those who argue against him, Schumpeter asks a fundamental question: "Is it really artificial to keep separate the phenomena incidental to running a firm and the phenomena incidental to creating a new one?" In his answers, Schumpeter offers guidance to Third World politicians no less than First World businesspeople.

In his substantial new introduction, John E. Elliott discusses the salient ideas of The Theory of Economic Development against the historical background of three great periods of economic thought in the last two decades.

Joseph A. Schumpeter (1883-1950) was professor of economics at the University of Graz and at Bonn University. He also served as Austrian minister of finance. He later moved to the United States where he taught at Harvard University until his death.

John E. Elliott is professor of economics, University of Southern California. He has edited the volumes Economic Issues and Policies and Competing Philosophies in American Political Economies