Emma Rothschild

Emma Rothschild is a prominent economic historian and professor at Harvard University, where she serves as Director of the Joint Center for History and Economics. Her research focuses on economic history, the history of economic thought, and the intersection of economics with social and political developments. Her influential work includes examinations of globalization's historical roots, particularly through her book "The Inner Life of Empires: An Eighteenth-Century History," which traces the lives of the Johnstone family across continents to illustrate global connections in the 18th century. She has also made significant contributions to understanding the economic thought of the Enlightenment period through works such as "Economic Sentiments: Adam Smith, Condorcet and the Enlightenment." Rothschild's academic career spans multiple prestigious institutions, including a long association with the University of Cambridge where she was a Fellow of King's College. She has been elected as a Fellow of the British Academy and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, recognizing her contributions to historical scholarship. Beyond her academic work, Rothschild has served on various boards and committees related to economic development and education, including the United Nations Foundation Board and the Kennedy Memorial Trust. She continues to publish and lecture on topics relating to economic history, globalization, and the development of economic thought.

Readers appreciate Rothschild's detailed archival research and her ability to connect historical economic patterns to contemporary issues. The Inner Life of Empires receives positive mentions for its innovative approach to global history through one family's story. Likes: - Clear connection between historical events and modern economic trends - Thorough documentation and research methodology - Accessibility of complex economic concepts - Integration of social and political context with economic analysis Dislikes: - Dense academic writing style that can be challenging for general readers - Some find the level of detail overwhelming - Limited broader context in case studies Ratings: Goodreads: The Inner Life of Empires - 3.9/5 (42 ratings) Economic Sentiments - 4.1/5 (28 ratings) Amazon: The Inner Life of Empires - 4.2/5 (12 reviews) One reader noted: "She makes 18th century economic thought relevant to today's debates" while another commented: "The academic tone made it difficult to maintain interest despite the fascinating subject matter."

The Inner Life of Empires: An Eighteenth-Century History (2011) A study of the Johnstone family from Scotland, using their lives to explore globalization and social networks in the 18th century.

Economic Sentiments: Adam Smith, Condorcet, and the Enlightenment (2001) An examination of economic thought during the Enlightenment, focusing on Adam Smith and Marquis de Condorcet's perspectives on commerce and politics.

Paradise Lost: The Decline of the Auto-Industrial Age (1973) An analysis of the American automobile industry's impact on society and its economic challenges in the early 1970s.

A Case of Rebellion: The High Court of Admiralty and English Civil War Politics, 1640-1645 (1970) A detailed study of the High Court of Admiralty's role during the English Civil War period.

Japan and Britain: Economic and Moral Liberalization (1998) An exploration of the economic and social changes in Japan and Britain during periods of liberalization.

Natalie Zemon Davis writes detailed histories focused on early modern Europe and social history from the bottom up. Her work on microhistory and focus on economic networks parallels Rothschild's approach.

Francesca Trivellato examines cross-cultural trade networks and economic relationships in the early modern Mediterranean world. She combines economic history with social analysis of merchant communities and family ties.

Kenneth Pomeranz analyzes global economic development and the interconnections between Asia and Europe in the modern period. His research on comparative economic history shares methodological approaches with Rothschild's work.

Sven Beckert traces global capitalism through commodity chains and economic networks. His focus on cotton trade and capitalism's development mirrors Rothschild's interest in commercial networks and economic transformation.

Mary Poovey explores the relationship between economics, social knowledge, and cultural practices in modern Britain. Her work connecting economic and social history aligns with Rothschild's examination of economic thought and social change.