Customer Reviews:
 Fascinating reading, very thought-provoking. November 20, 2002
Too many books
18 out of 19 found this review helpful
A fascinating book, covering the economic history of the development of the industrialised world, starting with the UK in the early 1800s and the USA, France and Germany in the later 1800s. He contrasts their state growth-centred, industry-building policies with the failure of the IMF / World Bank "Washington Consensus" to promote development in the "Third World" since 1945.A very understated book, and moderate in tone, yet its implications are momentous. It builds a strong case for saying the entire thrust of current international financial policies are hostile to development. I'd heartily recommend it.
Great book March 10, 2006
0 out of 2 found this review helpful
This book is an excellent contribution to the industrial policy debate.
 Not for the beach.. February 15, 2007
Hugh Janus (London, UK)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
The central thesis of the book - that industrialised nations achieved their economic superiority by engaging in the very same protectionist practices that are being denied to developing countries today - is both intriguing and worthy of attention, but is unfortunately presented here in a rather inaccessible fashion. Much of the book is devoted to chronologically plowing through a handful of countries' histories of trade law, which might make for sound argumentation, but does little for the readability of the text. This book will definitely benefit those professionally or academically involved industrial policy history, but might prove somewhat dry to anyone daunted by the prospect of having to navigate through 100+ pages of trade statistics. Fascinating idea trapped in a less-than-fascinating book.
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