Theory and History: An Interpretation of Social and Economic Evolution.

VON MISES, Ludwig.

Item Number: 2529

New Haven: Yale University Press, 1957.

First edition of von Mises’ classic work. Octavo, original blue cloth. Signed by Ludwig von Mises on the half-title page. Fine in a near fine dust jacket with light toning to the spine. Housed in a custom half morocco clamshell box.

Theory and History discusses the theory of economics, the study of purposive human action, and with history, the record of the past actions of individuals. All actions are determined by ideas. Thoughts and ideas are "real things," Mises writes. "Although intangible and immaterial, they are factors in bringing about changes in the realm, of tangible and material things." Rather than rejecting the study of historical change as a "useless pastime," Mises considers it of the utmost practical importance. "History looks backward into the past, but the lesson it teaches concerns things to come."