Stimulated by the work of Peter Mathias, one of the leading figures in the field of post-war business and economic history, this volume explores the myriad of micro-decisions that ultimately help to explain the overall performance of industries, sectors, and national economies as they evolve.

What explains the growth of a business, and more broadly the development or decline of a whole economy? What role does a particular entrepreneur or indeed a culture of entrepreneurship play? Does the evidence suggest that a particular structure or organizational form was or should be adopted
to ensure best practice and commercial success? These fundamental questions have long preoccupied business and economic historians. With the current expansion of business and management education and training, the investigations and findings of the historian may have wider significance and
relevance.
This volume has been stimulated by the work of Peter Mathias, one of the leading figures in this field in the post-war period. Here a number of his former students--many now internationally distinguished historians--pay tribute in a book that explores the move from family firms to corporate
capitalism. The contributors argue that sustained growth has never been a matter of a few spectacular technical breakthroughs, but instead rests on subtle economic and social transformations--in cultures, in economic organizations, and in the roles of science and technology.

'While nearly all chapters are good, the contributers of Berg, Lemire, Bruland and Offer stand out. Doubtless Peter Mathias will be pleased with this festschrift, which is a fitting tribute to his achievements as a scholar and teacher. Unlike some festschrifts, this one is also worth ordering for use in teaching and research.'- Business History (A Frank Cass Journal)by Mary Rose 18/04/99