本书直面重商主义研究中最根本，但也是争议最大的课题，即国家与市场的关系课题。作者在充分吸收前人研究成果的基础上，通过对史实的具体分析指出，在重商主义时代，英国国家和市场经济的关系并非一成不变，事实上，它经历了一个递次演进的过程。作者将该过程划分为三个阶段，并通过比较分析揭示出：国家的职能随着市场经济的发展不断调整，由对市场经济的全面控制逐步过渡到取消管制，最终实现了国家与市场经济的共生共荣。全书观点鲜明，言之成理，富有创新性。

Eli Heckscher (1879-1952) is celebrated for his contributions to international trade theory, particularly the factor proportions theory of comparative advantage in international trade known as the Heckscher-Ohlin theory. His work in both economic theory and economic history is notable for combining theoretical insights with a profound knowledge of economic history and the history of economic thought. In this volume, leading international economists assess the importance of Heckscher's work and its relevance to the contemporary practice of economic history.The contributors first discuss Heckscher's efforts to forge the discipline of economic history by combining both the historian's careful evaluation of sources and the economist's rigorous models. The Heckscher-Ohlin theory of factor proportions is described and tested empirically. Contributors then apply the theory to historical material, including Mediterranean trade in Biblical times, the economic effects of two periods of plague eight centuries apart, and tariff policy in 35 countries from 1870 to 1938. Heckscher's masterly work on mercantilism, the Continental Blockade, and Swedish economic history is also described and appraised in light of recent historical research.Contributors:Benny Carlson, Francois Crouzet, Lance E. Davis, Stanley L. Engerman, Ronald Findlay, Harry Flam, Rolf G. H. Henriksson, Eva, Einar, Ivar, and Sten Heckscher, Douglas A. Irwin, Ronald W. Jones, Deepak Lal, Hakan Lindgren, Mats Lundahl, Lars Magnusson, Joel Mokyr, Mats Morell, Patrick O'Brien, Kevin H. O'Rourke, Bo Sandelin, Lennart Schon, Johan Soderberg, Peter Temin, Jeffrey G. Williamson