From Economic Man to Economic System

Reviews / Votes

Review of the hardback: 'This lovely set of essays provides a small intellectual feast. The readings are a delight for the thoughtful economist and should be an excellent supplement for any number of undergraduate or graduate economic courses or law school offerings. Demsetz's economics is the lively engagement with fundamental questions such as the root of property rights, the delayed emergence of capitalism, and declining family size. He demonstrates the power of simple straightforward economic instincts and principles when wielded by a sharp mind aided by a fluid pen to enlighten important social questions.' Lloyd Cohen, George Mason University Review of the hardback: 'Harold Demsetz's contributions to economics are well known for their simple originality and have laid important foundations in many areas of economics. With this book, Harold Demsetz continues to spoil his audience with a wide-ranging array of novel and thought-provoking essays.' Francesco Parisi, University of Minnesota and University of Bologna Review of the hardback: '... From Economic Man to Economic System is an excellent piece of research, which focuses on various economic discussions of individual behavior and the behaviour of economic institutions. Tackling the important issues of self-interest and capitalism and its institutions, it is worthwhile reading for everyone who is interested in economic decisions and economic institutions.' Friedrich Schneider, Johannes Kepler University of Linz Review of the hardback: 'From Economic Man to Economic System brings Harold Demsetz's deep learning and analytical insights to bear on ongoing intellectual debates addressing the efficiency (and efficacy) of unfettered market capitalism, the regulation of environmental quality and the modern business corporation, and the causes of the wealth of nations. The ... essays collected here are uniformly well crafted and thought-provoking. The product of a lifetime of reflection by one of the economics profession's most penetrating thinkers, From Economic Man to Economic System will be of interest to economists, legal scholars and many others.' William F. Shughart, II, F. A. P. Barnard Distinguished Professor of Economics, University of Mississippi