The Problems and Methods of Economic History

Witold Kula (1916-1988) enjoyed an illustrious academic career, with his writings winning many prizes at home in Poland and recognition from abroad. This book, written at the height of his powers and first published in 1963, was his "magnum opus". Drawing on the works of major scholars in all the principal European languages, east and west, he presents a capacious and far-sighted definition of the field, embracing the environment, labour, consumption, class relations, and the history of economic thought itself. This is in addition to the more obvious topics of the history of prices, market formation, investment, firms, national accounts and demography.