Magnusson presents a detailed account of the development of mercantilism as a trend of economic thought during the 17th and 18th centuries and appraises its content and impact.

Foreword, 1 INTRODUCTORY THEMES, 2 DEBATES ON MERCANTILISM, 3 THE BIRTH OF A DISCOURSE OF MERCANTILISM, 4 SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY DISCUSSIONS, 5 A SCIENCE OF TRADE, 6 POWER AND PLENTY-THE FAVOURABLE BALANCE OF TRADE, 7 THE OTHER COUNTRIES, 8 CONCLUDING REMARKS, Index