Synopses & Reviews
Professor Landes's study, Technological Change and Industrial Development in Western Europe, 1750-1914, first appeare as a chapter in volume VI of the Cambridge Economic History of Europe. He has now extended it by adding a full-scale analysis of modern industrial Europe from the First World War to the 1960s. In his new Introduction, Professor Landes discusses the characteristics, progress, and political, economic and social implications of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, France and Germany. He raises the general question: why was Europe the first to industrialize? His section on the inter-war years covers the effect of the First World War in accelerating the dissolution of the old international economy, the reasons for monetary instability and the consequences of monetary difficulties for the economic history of Europe. In particular he discusses the causes of the economic crisis of 1929-1932, the reasons for its severity and quasi-universality and for Britain's early and sustained recovery. An important theme is the impediments posed by generalized international egoism to the efficiency and growth of the European economies. In his final chapter on the economic recovery of Western Europe after the Second World War, Professor Landes examines the forces which have operated since the early 1950s to give Western Europe a period of unprecedented economic growth. He raises the vital question: is this recent boom a temporary phenomenon or the first stage in a new trend of more rapid growth, reflecting an acceleration in technological advance?
Review
"An unbeatable introduction to the economic history of the industrial and technologiocal revolutions in Western Europe." Military Review
Review
"The first edition has long been a classic in the field...In 1969, Landes undertook the heroic task of surveying modern technological history. This path-breaking work asked the right questions, and provided insightful and balanced answers. It still repays reading by scholars of technological and economic history." Rick Szostak, The International History Review
Synopsis
In this new edition of his classic history on revolution and economic development in Europe, David Landes reasserts his original arguments in the light of current debates about globalization and comparative economic growth. Questions about why Europe was the first to industrialize and the viability of the post-war economic boom are as controversial as ever and Landes concludes that only by continuous industrial revolution can Europe and the world sustain itself in the years ahead. First Edition Hb (1969): 0-521-07200-X First Edition Pb (1969): 0-521-09418-6
Synopsis
Second edition of David Landes's classic history of industrial revolution and economic development in Europe.
Synopsis
For over thirty years David Landesâs Unbound Prometheus has offered an unrivalled history of the making of a modern, industrialised Europe. Now, in this new edition, he takes the opportunity to reframe and reassert his original arguments in the light of current debates about globalisation and comparative economic growth.
About the Author
David Landes is Emeritus Professor of Economics and History at Harvard University and the author of The Wealth and Poverty of Nations (1998).
Table of Contents
Preface to the new edition; Preface to the original edition; 1. Introduction; 2. The industrial revolution in Britain; 3. Continental emulation; 4. Closing the gap; 5. Short breath and second wind; 6. The interwar years; 7. Reconstruction and growth since 1945; 8. Conclusion; 9. Epilogue; Index.