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Mastering the Market: The State and the Grain Trade in Northern France, 1700–1860
The creation of free trade in France, and especially in the grain trade, came only through the most halting steps. In the eighteenth century, administrators crafted increasingly covert means to shape market processes even as they adopted liberal policies. In the early nineteenth century, which this book emphasizes, Napoleonic and Restoration officials and their successors developed hidden and finely-tuned strategies that allowed them to continue their intervention. By exploring those tactics, this book reveals how the state dominated the baking trades, influenced prices along supply lines, and amassed emergency stocks, thus effectively mastering this vital market.
356 pages, Hardcover
First published November 28, 1998
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May 3, 2021
It was a curious juxtaposition that had me reading this scholarly work and also (over the weekend) watching the notable 1935 movie, "Tale of Two Cities," starring Ronald Coleman and the always under-appreciated Elizabeth Allan. One viewing did not prejudice the other, but it pointed out my pressing need for a better understanding of French history played out in both the 18th and 19th centuries. (Sadly, I lack much in attention to French history.)
I will confess to having my teeth set on edge by the positioning of its title which irritates my free markets predilections: "State vs. Markets" implies meddling by an uncaring, dictatorial central beaurocrat. There is much of that described herein. But you'll also read instances of farmers and middlemen attempting to outsmart Paris--succeeding sometimes!--to hold wheat flour off the market when conditions were unfavorable. Then, yes, there were bread riots in a burgeoning Paris as citizens flocked to the city seeking better lives for their families in the early days of the industrial revolution.
I applaud the work of this author who patiently plodded through dusty archives in France to write a thoroughly-footnoted book. This is an essential read for students of French physiocratic history. Takes some discipline to read but you'll gain much from the effort.
I will confess to having my teeth set on edge by the positioning of its title which irritates my free markets predilections: "State vs. Markets" implies meddling by an uncaring, dictatorial central beaurocrat. There is much of that described herein. But you'll also read instances of farmers and middlemen attempting to outsmart Paris--succeeding sometimes!--to hold wheat flour off the market when conditions were unfavorable. Then, yes, there were bread riots in a burgeoning Paris as citizens flocked to the city seeking better lives for their families in the early days of the industrial revolution.
I applaud the work of this author who patiently plodded through dusty archives in France to write a thoroughly-footnoted book. This is an essential read for students of French physiocratic history. Takes some discipline to read but you'll gain much from the effort.
Displaying 1 of 1 review