Essay on the Nature of Commerce in General

This volume is a translation of the Essai sur la nature du commerce en general, Cantillon's only surviving work. It was circulated in manuscript form for many years after his death and was extremely influential, albeit not well known, at least throughout the eighteenth century. It shaped the development of economics through its formative influence on Francois Quesnay and Adam Smith, and is the cornerstone upon which all subsequent economic theory has been built.

Richard Cantillon (1680-1734). Little is known about Cantillon except that he was lrish and turned briefly from a successful backing career. mainly in France. to write one of the most outstanding works in the history of the subject. L'Essai Anthony A. Brewer is professor of the history of economics at the University of Bristol. He is on the editorial advisory board of the scholarly journal. History of Political Economy, and has held visiting posts at Duke University and Chou University (Tokyo)