The impact of protectionism is currently a contentious policy issue. This book evaluates the effects of protectionism on the British inter-war economy. In contrast to most studies of the period and the conclusions of orthodox economic theory, Kitson and Solomou show that the introduction of the General Tariff in 1932 provided a substantial stimulus to the domestic economy--a stimulus that can help to explain the trend improvement in British economic growth in the 1930s. The authors show that the tariff made domestic products more competitive, encouraging import substitution and macroeconomic expansion. The empirical evidence is examined at two levels. First, a sectoral study shows that the newly protected sector of the 1930s saw an improvement in performance following the introduction of the tariff. Secondly, the large fall in manufacturing imports generated favorable effects on macroeconomic performance by helping to reduce the import propensity of the economy. The policy implication of this study is that trade policies should be constructed in the context of prevailing economic conditions and not solely with reference to sometimes inappropriate theoretical perspectives.

The Political Economy of Competitiveness offers an original perspective on the relationship between economic theory and policy. It places the issues within an accessible political economy perspective. Rejecting the narrowness of mainstream economics the authors deploy an interdisciplinary approach to the problem of economic growth, placing it in its historical and political context. Issues covered include: * trade theory and policy * industrial decline and policy * markets, competition and innovation * globalisation, unemployment and government policy. The book provides a valuable guide to the major economic policy issues for both economists and business students. (view table of contents)

Product Description: This gorgeous book fully catalogues for the first time Sir Denis Mahon`s entire collection of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Italian paintings-a collection recognized as one of the most impressive in the world. From the 1930s to the 1970s, Mahon, a scholar, collector, and London National Gallery trustee, acquired seventy-nine Italian Baroque works and played a fundamental role in changing perceptions of art of this period...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: This series acts as an introduction to key artists and movements in art history. Each title contains 48 full-page colour plates, accompanied by extensive notes, and numerous comparative illustrations in colour or black and white, a concise introduction, select bibliography and detailed source information for the images...read more