Janet Marcet and Harriet Martineau: Motive, Market Experience and Reception of their Works Popularizing Classical Political Economy
Author(s)
Polkinghorn, Bette
Abstract
Adam Smith, David Ricardo and John Stuart Mill are the traditional giants on nineteenth century economic theory. Contrary to usual expression, however, all knowledge of political economy did not come form the works of the masters. Parallel to their writings was a collection publications by those disseminating economic theory. Most knowledge of the theories of political economy was transmitted from these original writers to readers through the work of the ‘popularizers’, most of whom were women. Important among these writers were Jane Marcet and Harriet Martineau, who were among the most successful pioneers in economic education. Teachers of the history of economics seldom consider the achievements of these popularizers. This chapter investigates the motive, market experience and reception of the two female nineteenth century popularizers of classical economics.
