Published online by Cambridge University Press: 24 July 2019
The paper shows how William Barber’s background as a development economist influenced his research agenda in the history of economic thought, in terms of the questions he asked and the way he approached them. The links between the history of economic theory and of policy-making are highlighted, as well as Barber’s investigation of the engagement of British economists with India’s economic matters throughout the time span of the British East India Company.
I would like to thank Robert Dimand and Richard Adelstein for helpful comments, and (the late) Gabriel de Oliva Cunha, Gerardo Serra, and Scott Scheall for bibliographical support. Research funding from CNPq is gratefully acknowledged.