Introduction 1. The Context (I). Social and Political Augustinianism 2. The Context (II). On Some Problems in the Governing of an Ordered State 3. Equilibrium (I). The Social Classes Approach: From the State of Innocence to the Polished and Magnificent State 4. Equilibrium (II). The Market Approach: The Foundations of Equilibrium and of Free Trade 5. Destablishing Shocks (I). Court Language and Merchant Truth 6. Destablishing Shocks (II). Market Strategies: The Propagation of Disequilibrium Conclusion Appendix

This is the first full length study of Boisguilbert's work to appear in English. It contains an extended discussion of the context in which Boisguilbert worked, as well as a detailed analysis of his life and work.