**Winner of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences** 'Joel Mokyr used historical sources as one
means to uncover the causes of sustained growth becoming the new normal. He demonstrated that
if innovations are to succeed one another in a self-generating process we not only need to
know that something works but we also need to have scientific explanations for why. The latter
was often lacking prior to the industrial revolution which made it difficult to build upon new
discoveries and inventions. He also emphasised the importance of society being open to new
ideas and allowing change.' Why did Western countries become so much wealthier than the rest
of the world? What explains the huge rise in incomes during the Industrial Revolution - and why
did Britain lead the way? In the years between the Glorious Revolution and the Great
Exhibition the British economy was transformed. Joel Mokyr's landmark history offers a wholly
new perspective for understanding Britain's extraordinary rise during the Industrial Revolution
showing how intellectual rather than material forces were the driving force behind it. While
empire trade resources and other factors all played a part above all it was the creative
ferment of the Enlightenment - with its belief in progress and scientific advancement - that
affected the economic behaviour of thinkers inventors entrepreneurs and artisans taking
Britain into the modern era. Linking ideas and beliefs to the heart of modern economic growth
The Enlightened Economy will transform the way we view the Industrial Revolution.
