Jean Baptiste Say Livres

A reprinted facsimile of the 1863 Lippincott edition produced by the Scholarly Publishing Office at the University of Michigan.

Translated from the 4th edition of the French with notes by the translator.

Focusing on economic growth, Say critiques Malthus's population theory, emphasizing that production and exchange of goods drive prosperity, not wealth accumulation. He discusses the detrimental effects of government intervention and highlights the importance of technological innovation in overcoming economic stagnation. The book also includes a catechism on political economy, exploring wealth production, distribution, and consumption in society. This work provides valuable insights into early 19th-century economic debates and remains significant in economic thought history.

The book presents the insights of Jean Baptiste Say, a prominent advocate of laissez-faire economics and a successful entrepreneur. Influenced by Adam Smith, Say emphasizes the entrepreneur's role in production while addressing critiques from Malthus. His correspondence with Thomas Jefferson highlights the relevance of his ideas, showcasing a logical examination of economic principles. This work serves as a defense of Say's law of production and provides a concise overview of his economic theories, making it valuable for readers with varying interests in economics.