This book has been written to accompany the Anglo-American Conference of the Institute of Historical Research, whose theme in 2004 was ‘Wealth and Poverty’. I wish to thank the Director of the Institute, David Bates, for encouraging me to undertake this assignment. I would also like to thank Peter Carson, Penny Daniel, Maggie Hanbury, Sally Holloway and Tim Penton for the part they have played in the publication of this book.
The thinking which shaped it is to a large extent the result of discussions and seminars which have taken place at the Centre for History and Economics at King’s College, Cambridge since 1992. I wish to thank the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation which has so generously supported the activities of the Centre. I have learnt from many who have participated in the intellectual life of the Centre, but especially from Emma Rothschild who provided constant inspiration and encouragement, while I was writing this book. Those who have helped to manage the Centre have also been of invaluable assistance, in particular Inga Huld Markan, Jo Maybin, Rachel Coffey and Justine Crump.
There are many others who have provided important suggestions, insights or help as this book was being prepared. I would particularly like to mention Robert Tombs, Daniel Pick, Tristram Hunt, Michael Sonenscher, Istvan Hont, David Feldman, Barry Supple, Sally Alexander and Daniel Stedman Jones. Finally, a special thanks to Miri Rubin who persuaded me that it was possible to write this book and did so much to help it towards its completion.