This book establishes a chronological trace of the entrepreneur as treated in economic literature in order to give a more wholesome perspective to contemporary writings and teachings on entrepreneurship. It focuses on the nature and role of the entrepreneur, and of entrepreneurship, as revealed in economic literature as early as the eighteenth century, when Richard Cantillon first coined the term 'entrepreneur'. The authors then trace how Joseph Schumpeter's perspective, among other's, on entrepreneurship came to dominate the world's understanding of the term.

Due to Schumpeter's dominant influence, entrepreneurship has come to occupy a primary role in the theory of economic development. In this book Hebert and Link discuss various key topics including the German Tradition, the Austrian and the English School of thought as well as individuals such as Alfred Marshall and Jeremy Bentham. The historical survey also illustrates the tension that often exists between "theory" and "practice" and how it has been difficult for economic theory to assimilate a core concept that plays a vital role in social and economic change. Finally, the book exposes the many different facets of entrepreneurship as they have been perceived by some of the great economists throughout the ages.

About the Author

Robert F. Hebert is Russell Professor of Economics, Emeritus, at Auburn University, USA.

Albert N. Link is Professor of Economics at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA.

Reviews

'Seldom has been so much knowledge compressed between two hard covers and that too on a subject of vast significance.' -- Dwijendra Tripathi, The Journal of Entrepreneurship

'This book goes to the heart of theorizing about entrepreneurship. The authors are well-established scholars of the economics of entrepreneurship and have written a comprehensive treatise covering all the available works in English, French and German going back a couple of centuries.' -- International Journal of Business and Social Science

'Highly recommended' - CHOICE

Book Information
ISBN 9780415632416
Author Robert F Hebert
Format Paperback
Page Count 124
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 270g