Patterns of European Industrialisation: The Nineteenth Century

Patterns of European Industrializationillustrates the changes in our understanding of Europe's nineteenth century economic development that have taken place over the last quarter century. Alexander Gerschenkron's bold interpretation of European industrialization is a starting point for each chapter. His grand synthesis has been challenged by many later writers, but none has emerged to replace it thus far. This volume presents contributions from some of the world's leading economic historians, including R. Paul Gregory, Donald N. McCloskey, and William N. Parker. One group of chapters is organized thematically, and another set explores recent interpretations of the modernization experiences of key nations. The editors' introduction considers the benefits and difficulties of comparative economic history and of attempts to achieve a synthesis of Europe's experiences with industrialization.