An Economic History of the Silk Industry, 1830-1930

by Giovanni Federico

Overview

This book examines the growth of the world silk industry. Professor Federico documents Western industrialization, the technical progress and the changing methods of production that enabled the silk industry to cope with increased demand. Silk became the first Japanese success story on the world market, with Italy retaining a sizeable share until labor was diverted as a result of its industrialization. Japanese industrialization also led its silk industry to a similar fate after the Second World War.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521105262
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	03/19/2009
Series:	Cambridge Studies in Modern Economic History , #5
Edition description:	Reissue
Pages:	276
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 2.30(d)

Table of Contents

1. Introduction; 2. The characteristics of the industry; 3. The growth in the long run; 4. Consumption of silkwares and demand for silk; 5. The demand for silk: an analysis by country; 6. The roots of growth: agricultural production; 7. The industry: technical progress and structural change; 8. Institutions and competitiveness: the markets; 9. Institutions and competitiveness: the state; 10. Conclusions; Statistical appendix; References; Index.

Editorial Reviews

"...Federico's analysis offers many new insights often at variance with existing interpretations. Those interested in trade and development issues can consult his book with profit." Robert Y. Eng, American Historical Review

From the Publisher