The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) was founded in 1920, largely in response to controversies between free market advocates and proponents of centralized government planning, over the “fair” distribution of income in the American economy. As a result of an early agreement between...

Introduction -- "One shekel of your private silver" -- The pirates of Phoenicia -- The reluctant Romans -- An enterprising faith -- Flying money and capitalist monks -- Western Europe and a 'new world' of profit -- Captains of the revolution -- The land of [entrepreneurial] opportunity --...

A Brief History of Entrepreneurship charts how the pursuit of profit by private individuals has been a prime mover in revolutionizing civilization. Entrepreneurs often butt up against processes, technologies, social conventions, and even laws. So they circumvent, innovate, and violate to obtain...