The Growth of the Italian Economy, 1820}}}1960 [Paperback]

A brief, up-to-date account of Italy's transformation from an agrarian state to an industrial powerhouse.In 1861, Italy was a poor, backward country compared with its neighbours to the north and west: most of its people were farmers relying on traditional techniques and ancient forms of organization to scratch a living. Few would have believed that within a century, the country would have become one of the largest industrial powerhouses, and its people among the wealthiest in the world. This book provides a brief, up-to-date account of the literature that chronicles this remarkable growth and structural change, emphasizing new views on old issues.In 1861, Italy was a poor, backward country compared with its neighbours to the north and west: most of its people were farmers relying on traditional techniques and ancient forms of organization to scratch a living. Few would have believed that within a century, the country would have become one of the largest industrial powerhouses, and its people among the wealthiest in the world. This book provides a brief, up-to-date account of the literature that chronicles this remarkable growth and structural change, emphasizing new views on old issues.Italy was a poor, backward country compared with its neighbors to the north and west in 1861. Most of its people were farmers relying on traditional techniques and ancient forms of organization to survive. Few would have believed that within a century, the country would become one of the largest industrial powerhouses, and its people among the wealthiest in the world. This book provides a brief, up-to-date account of the literature that chronicles Italy's remarkable growth and structural change, emphasizing new views on old issues.1. Introduction; 2. Measuring change in the long run: the data; 3. The big picture: models of growth and structural change; 4. Modernization versus tradition: new views and old on agriculture; 5. Against all odds? The growth of industry and services; 6. MlãW