This innovative business history text book blends economic theory with empirical evidence to chart business development over the last two centuries in the UK, the United States, Japan and Australia. Each chapter considers an issue of current significance, introduces theories to illuminate the topic and discusses historical evidence and debates. Features include: boxed case studies and original documents; illustrations and statistical tables; discussion questions and suggestions for further reading. Themes include: * History and Theory of the Growth of the Firm * Entrepreneurship and Management * Information and Uncertainty * Corporate Finance * Labour Management * Production * Marketing * Structure * Inter-organisational Relations and Co-operative Structures * International Business * Government and Business The Development of Modern Business addresses enduring concerns for entrepreneurs, managers and students and demonstrates the value of an historical perspective from which to judge present day issues.