’...the essays collected here show a refreshing variety of style and interest. For an area about which the literature in the English language has always been sparse, these contributions, each written by a recognized authority in the field, offer most valuable, as well as highly readable, insights and critical appraisals.’ Sidney Pollard, The Slavonic Review ’Readers of this book will realise that a parallel between central Europe’s past experiences and present challenges not only serve academic purposes, but also represents a necessity as long as policy makers are searching for the most appropriate development paths for their countries. An economic history perspective may prove invaluable if economic progress in the region is to be achieved without tremendous social costs.’ Business History