Paper #1030

Title:

Book production and the onset of modern economic growth

Authors:

Jörg Baten and Jan Luiten van Zanden

Date:

April 2007

Abstract:

Endogenous growth theory suggests that human capital formation plays a significant role for the ‘wealth and poverty of nations.’ In contrast to previous studies which denied the role of human capital as a crucial determinant of for really long-term growth, we confirm its importance. Indicators of human capital like literacy rates are lacking for the period of 1450-1913; hence, we use per capita book production as a proxy for advanced literacy skills. This study explains how, and to what extent, growth disparities are a function of human capital formation.

Keywords:

Book Production, Economic Growth, Human Capital

JEL codes:

O14, O40, N10

Area of Research:

Economic and Business History

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