With its roots in history and eyes on the future, this book traces the development of our economic society from the Middle Ages to the present, offering a balanced perspective of why our economy is the way it is and where it may be headed. It explores the catalytic role past economic trends and dynamics–particularly capitalism–have played in creating the present challenges we face, and offers suggestions on how we may deal with them most effectively in the future.

For courses on Economics and Society, Economic History, Economic History of the West, and The History of Capitalism.

Heilbroner/Milberg is the only introductory level text that traces the development of our economic society from the Middle Ages to the present, offering a balanced perspective on why our economy is the way it is and where it may be headed.