David Ricardo

British economist David Ricardo (1772-1823) was one the most influential figures in the development of economic theory.

His articulation of the Classical system of political economy gave the subject an unprecedented degree of theoretical sophistication.

His influence dominated practically all economic thinking throughout the nineteenth century and continues to stimulate debate today.

This four-volume set in the Critical Responses series brings together for the first time nineteenth-century responses to, and appreciations of, the work of David Ricardo.

The collection covers the period from 1817, the year of publication of Ricardo's major work, The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation , to 1848, and represents the first and probably the liveliest period of Ricardo-criticism.

The publication of John Stuart Mill's own Principles in 1848 marks an end to this period with the first great 'rehabilitation' of Ricardo following decades of searching criticism. The set is supplemented by a new introduction providing a brief overview of Ricardo's life, work and times, exploring this period of critical assessment of his work, and examining the themes which recur in the collected literature.