Eli Heckscher's "Mercantilism" is a classic work in the history of economic thought, economic history and international economics. A pioneer in both economic history and trade theory, Heckscher brought a unique breadth to this study. Covering all of the major European countries, the book explores the content and significance of mercantilist ideas over nearly two centuries. Acknowledging the difficulties involved in defining mercantilism, Heckscher nonetheless succeeded in identifying a set of its key characteristics. Available for the first time after many years, "Mercantilism" remains relevant to a world preoccupied with maintaining its trading order. Hecksher's full text, notes and supporting material are supplemented by a new introduction by Lars Magnusson which discusses the origin, content and impact of the book.

Working amidst the global economic turmoil of World War I and the blockade of his neutral homeland, Swedish economist and historian ELI FILIP HECKSCHER (1879-1952) produced this provocative and widely influential analysis of European commercial conflict from the late 17th century through the early 19th century: . What was the impact of the British blockade of France in the 1790s? . How did the national debt and credit system of Britain affect its monetary warfare? . What part did the British colonies in America and later the new United States play in the European economic conflict? . What was done with confiscated goods? . How did smuggling and corruption in the early 1800s change the balance of power? This interpretation of the centuries-long economic clash between Britain, France, and their allies, first published 1922, remains an intriguing work of history today.