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Economic History Matters

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  • Nicholas Crafts

Abstract

This paper considers the future of economic history in the context of its relationship with economics. It is argued that there are strong synergies between the two disciplines and that awareness of the economic past is an important resource for today's economists. Examples are given that illustrate these points. It is clear that the past has useful economics but the potential value of economic history to economics will only be realised if economic historians are fluent in economics and organise the presentation of their research findings with a view to addressing questions that matter from a policy perspective.

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  • Nicholas Crafts, 2012. "Economic History Matters," Economic History of Developing Regions, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(S1), pages 3-15.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:rehdxx:v:27:y:2012:i:s1:p:s3-s15
    DOI: 10.1080/20780389.2012.657823
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