The central argument remains the same: the exploitation of fossil fuels as a new energy source was essential for ‘organic economies’ to transform into an industrialised ‘mineral economy’. In this respect, Wrigley’s most recent book The Path to Sustained Growth: England’s Transition from an Organic Economy to an Industrial Revolution is a continuation of his series of volumes on the topic. Through energy, Wrigley found a way to integrate the complex historical dynamics between demographic changes, agricultural productivity, urban growth, changing occupational structures, changes in transport facilities, and technological changes into the grand narrative on the English ‘industrial revolution’. Due to its land-saving effects, coal allowed the agricultural output of food and raw materials to grow, while its physical characteristics also supplied a vastly greater amount of energy required to meet large-scale consumer and industrial demand. 2 By pointing at the importance of England’s early embrace of coal, he has put greater emphasis on one of the earlier ‘revolutions’ that preceded industrialisation.

Since 1962, when he published his first article on the supply of raw materials in the industrial revolution, Wrigley has worked out an innovative model on the relation between energy and economy. One of his most known and influential theses is the role of new energy forms in producing modern economic growth.

1 Indeed, Wrigley has fruitfully dedicated most of his academic career to seeking for the long-term explanations of the English industrial revolution.

As one of Britain’s leading economic historians, Wrigley has written a wealth of publications on a wide range of topics such as energy transitions, historical demographics, agricultural change, and urbanisation – all of which were employed to explain the industrial revolution. The great merit of Edward Anthony Wrigley is that he has put energy on the agenda of economic history. Energy, economy and society: towards an integrated history of energy?īack to top A pioneer in the economic history of energy.

Moving beyond the classical economists?.The path to sustained growth : in search for explanations of the industrial revolution.A pioneer in the economic history of energy.

Ruth cowan more work for mother