British and American Economic Essays – serie

On the History of Economic Thought is introduced by an essay in intellectual autobiography outlining the development of Coats key ideas and the distinctive elements of his approach. Two themes in particular emerge. The first is the difference between British and American economics, both in content and in the practice of the profession. This is an important element in all areas of his research. The second theme is in the interrelationships between economic ideas, events (or conditions) and policy issues. The book concludes by offering an assessment of the current state of the discipline indicating the advantages an historian of economics can offer as a commentator on recent developments.

A.W. Coats has made unique contributions to the history of economic thought, economic methodology and the sociology of economics. This volume collects together, for the first time, a substantial part of his work on the sociology and professionalization of economics.

This is the third and final volume of collected papers of A.W. Bob Coats. Coats began to collect material for this volume in the years following the publication of the second volume in 1993, but sadly died in 2007, before the work was completed.The volume has now been completed under the editorship of Roger Backhouse and Bruce Caldwell. Along with his articles, the compilation of the volume also reflects Coats’ interest in and commitment to book reviews, a selection of which have been chosen for inclusion. The book also includes a comprehensive bibliography.In addition to a preface by Backhouse and Caldwell, the volume also reproduces the obituary that was published in History of Political Economy, a memoir published in 1996, and an interview with Grant Fleming, published the previous year. Together, the introductory materials, articles and reviews serve as a fitting tribute to the body of work of Bob Coats.

On the History of Economic Thought is introduced by an essay in intellectual autobiography outlining the development of Coats key ideas and the distinctive elements of his approach. Two themes in particular emerge. The first is the difference between British and American economics, both in content and in the practice of the profession. This is an important element in all areas of his research. The second theme is in the interrelationships between economic ideas, events (or conditions) and policy issues. The book concludes by offering an assessment of the current state of the discipline indicating the advantages an historian of economics can offer as a commentator on recent developments.

A.W. Coats has made unique contributions to the history of economic thought, economic methodology and the sociology of economics. This volume collects together, for the first time, a substantial part of his work on the sociology and professionalization of economics.