The economic theories of the English economist and social scientist J.A.
Hobson (1858-1940) were pioneering for their time. This book critically
analyses his theories and shows that many of them have contemporary
relevance. Hobson is best known by today's economists for his
underconsumption theory, which was recognised by Keynes as an important
forerunner of The General Theory. Hobson's underconsumption theory is
modelled and compared with the economic growth theories of Harrod and
Domar. Also included are accounts of Hobson's theories in the areas of
welfare economics, income distribution and prices, money and credit, and
international economics. The book also outlines Hobson's theory of
imperialism, which was addressed to an audience far wider than that of
economists, and gained him international fame.