Table of Contents

Abbreviations Chapter 1. Foundations of Political Power 2. Consolidation of Political Power 3. To Encourage Industry and Economy 4. The State in Association 5. Commonwealth and Corporation 6. The Law of Private Rights in a Commonwealth 7. Acquiescence as State Policy 8. Social Disorganization and Economic Policy 9. Liberal Humanitarianism 10. The Reform State Appendixes A. Statistics of the Constitutional Convention of 1780 B. Representation in the General Court, 1780-1820 C. Letter to the President and Directors of the Banks in Boston D. Opinion of the Attorney General of Massachusetts, on the Life of the Corporation, 1802 E. Edward Everett on the Public Debt F. Artisan Grievances Against the Corporation G. Memoranda on the Role of Government in American Economic Development Note on the Sources Index

About the Author

Oscar Handlin, a Pulitzer Prize–winning historian, was Carl M. Loeb University Professor, Emeritus, at Harvard University. He was the editor of This Was America. Mary Flug Handlin is Research Editor at the Center for the Study of the History of Liberty in America, Harvard University.

Reviews

The Handlins have broken a path into an area of American economic history too long neglected. They have cleared out many misconceptions concerning corporate techniques, and they have given their readers a thesis which should be an inspiration for further investigation.
*Journal of Economic History*

The authors have carried through a difficult task thoroughly and effectively. They have illuminated a hitherto dark corner of American economic history and have contributed significantly to our understanding of the development of life and society in Massachusetts.
*New England Quarterly*