William Petty

Economic Writings of Sir William Petty : Together With the Observations Upon the Bills of Mortality, More Probably by Captan John Graunt

This book offers an in-depth exploration of the economic and statistical writings of a seminal figure in the early development of these disciplines, presenting a comprehensive collection that includes both widely recognized works and previously unpublished manuscripts. The compilation illuminates the author's significant contributions to political economy and statistics, particularly through his Observations upon the Bills of Mortality of London, which, although not penned by him, are closely connected with his intellectual legacy due to their intrinsic value and pioneering insights into demographic analysis.

Set against the backdrop of seventeenth-century intellectual thought, this book situates its main subject within the broader historical narratives of economic theory and statistical methodology, offering readers a rich thematic exploration that bridges biographical elements with substantial economic discourse. The selected texts reveal the evolution of economic ideas and the foundational role of statistical data in understanding societal trends.

Through meticulous editing, including annotations that clarify previously obscure passages and an introduction that provides context without delving into extraneous historical debate, this book presents an authoritative compilation that underscores the lasting importance of its subject's work on contemporary understandings of economics and demography.

Concluding with a detailed examination of the history behind London's bills of mortality, this collection not only highlights the enduring relevance of these early studies but also affirms their pivotal place in shaping modern approaches to economic and statistical analysis.