Early British Economics covers the growth of economic thought in Britain, giving an outline of the economic and ethical problems raised by social developments and changes. The doctrines formulated by city merchants, economic writers and philosophers during the six centuries in question are also examined.

The second collection in the series "History of British Economic Thought" brings together six classic works in political economy by leading British writers of the 17th and 18th centuries. William Petty and John Cary were the leading influence of their time and a vital inclusion in such a collection. Both are represented here by the most complete editions of their writings. The innovative books of Robert Wallace and James Steuart are important works in economic theory. The Irish philosopher George Berkeley and the English Utalitarian Jeremy Bentham also made major contributions to economics during this period.