This eloquent book analyses the theory of the cooperative form of enterprise from an historic perspective, whilst assessing its appeal in the current economic environment.

1. Introduction -- 2. The birth of cooperative enterprise : where, when, how -- 3. What is a cooperative? -- 4. The development of cooperation in the world -- 5. The cooperative movement in Italy -- 6. The economic performance of cooperative enterprises -- 7. Cooperative governance -- 8. Conclusion