Enlightened Entrepreneurialism: A Conversation with Margaret Jacob

This book is based on an in-depth conversation with Margaret Jacob, Distinguished Professor of History at UCLA. Topics examined during this extensive conversation include Margaret Jacob’s motivations to become a historian and her comprehensive analysis of the history of the Industrial Revolution and interpretation of the major economic motivations on the ground, comparing daily life experiences in England, France, Belgium and the Netherlands. A sophisticated understanding of the past naturally involves a composite approach that marries economic motivations with associated cultural factors of educational trends, religious influences and scientific and technological awareness, and more.
This carefully-edited book includes an introduction, Measuring Motivations, and questions for discussion at the end of each chapter:
I. Historical Origins - Rebel-turned scholar
II. Decrypting Newton - From physics to theology
III. Beyond the Numbers - Searching for causes
IV. Apprenticeship - Pivotal time to develop
V. Religion and Geography - Unitarianism and other factors
VI. Theory vs. Practice - France’s surprising underdevelopment
VII. Lessons Learned? - Towards cultivating the innovative spirit
VIII. History Today? - Reflections on research and teaching
IX. Past and Future - New books and bizarre faucets
X. Righting Wrongs, Slowly - Gender discrimination in the academy
Enlightened Entrepreneurialism is also part of the five-part Ideas Roadshow Collection, Conversations About History, Volume 1, which is available in hardcover, paperback and electronic format.
About Ideas Roadshow Conversations: Presented in an accessible, conversational format, Ideas Roadshow books not only explore frontline academic research but also reveal the inspirations and personal journeys behind the research.