Antonio Serra and the Economics of Good Government

Little is known of Antonio Serra except that he wrote his extraordinary 1613 Short Treatise on the Causes that Make Kingdoms Abound in Gold and Silver even in the Absence of Mines in a Neapolitan jail, and that he died there soon afterwards. However, the influence of this work represents a watershed not only in the discipline of economics but in the history of social science and intellectual history more generally.

In this book, some of the world's leading economists and experts on Serra explore the enduring appeal of his Short Treatise. The authors analyse the work in its historical, economic, cultural and intellectual contexts, exploring the finer details of his theories regarding economic development and international financial interactions, as well as his indebtedness to earlier Renaissance traditions. The book also uncovers new material relating to Serra's life and provides in-depth interpretation of his key insights, influences and political economy.

Rosario Patalano is Professor of the History of Economic Thought at the University of Naples 'Federico II', Italy. His research interests focus on the history of monetary theory and institutions, and on the history of international currencies.

Sophus A. Reinert is Assistant Professor of Business Administration in the Business, Government, and the International Economy Unit at Harvard Business School, USA, where he works on the history of capitalism, globalization, and economic development.