The classical economists and economic policy / edited with an introduction by A. W. Coats.

Includes bibliographical references (pages 206-212).

1. Ricardo's views on monetary questions / R. S. Sayers -- 2. Nassau senior and classical economics / Marian Bowley -- 3. The classical view of Ireland's economy / R. D. Collison Black -- 4. The classical economists and the factory acts — a re-examination / Mark Blaug -- 5. Private versus public education, a classical economic dispute / E. G. West -- 6. The classical economists and the labourer / A. W. Coats -- 7. The ideology of laissez-faire / H. Scott Gordon.

"The classical economists constituted the first genuine 'school' of British economists. For the first time in our history a small but effective group of political economists demanded recognition as authoritative spokesmen on such matters as monetary and fiscal policy, foreign trade, trade unionism and wages, poor laws, public works and economic growth. Did this group, though, have 'one master, one doctrine, personal coherence'? Were its members dogmatic exponents of laissez-faire as is so often claimed? What was the exact relationship between their ideas and governmental policy? This volume brings together seven studies which deal with the classical economists themselves, specific policy questions, and the diffusion of economic ideas." -- From the back cover.