This volume in the New Studies in Economic and Social History series examines Italy's transformation from a largely rural state in the nineteenth century to today's industrial powerhouse. At the time of unification in 1861, much of the country was backward, poor, and agrarian: few would have believed that a hundred years later Italy would become one of the seven largest industrial countries, its people among the wealthiest in the world. This process of development and structural change has generated an enormous and evolving literature, alive with controversies and compelling insights. New research and reinterpretation of existing data have led to a reevaluation of the nature of Italian Dualism, while revisions to national income accounts are modifying the traditional picture of economic growth. Jon Cohen and Giovanni Federico provide a concise, up-to-date account of this literature, highlighting new views on old issues, and signalling areas in need of further research.

‘… a very welcome book that summarizes the main contributions to the recent economic history of a country - Italy …’.

Source: English Historical Review

‘Federico and Cohen provide a welcome survey of the literature on modern Italy’s economic development. their book offers a clear, concise and well-written guide.’

Source: Business History

'Jon Cohen and Giovanni Federico have produced a true tour de force … admirable work, with a highly scholarly content relative to its pagination. I recommend it unreservedly to those who want to learn about the status of research on Italian economic development and about this development itself.'

Source: Financial History Review