This 2000 book addresses the discrepancy between the developing economy of England and the stagnant legal framework of business organization between 1720 and 1844.

Introduction; 1. The legal framework; Part I. Before 1720: 2. The pre-1720 business corporation; 3. The Bubble Act, its passage and its effects; Part II. 1721-1810: 4. Two distinct paths of organizational development: transport and insurance; 5. The joint-stock business corporation; 6. Trusts, partnerships, and the unincorporated company; 7. The progress of the joint-stock organization; Part III. 1800-44: 8. The attitudes of the business community; 9. The joint-stock company in court; 10. The joint-stock company in parliament.