Overview

Britain and Europe were the leading industrial nations in 18th-century Europe. This text examines the rivalry which existed between the two nations and the methods used by France to obtain the skilled manpower and technology which had given Britain the edge, particularly in the new coal-based technologies. Despite the British Act of 1719 which outlawed industrial espionage and technology transfer, France continued to bring key industrial workers from Britain and to acquire British machinery and production methods. Drawing on archival material, John Harris investigates the nature and application of British laws and the attitudes of some major British industrialists to these issues. He also discusses the extent to which French espionage had any real success.

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9780754603672

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Reviews

'It is rarely that a work of history can be called definitive - or almost so, but this monumental book fully deserves this designation.' from foreword by FranAois Crouzet 'The archival material it contains is unique and the story it tells...is both intrinsically important and fascinating in the detail' Peter Mathias 'a painstakingly thorough exploration of industrial transfer between France and Britain from 1710 to 1800.' Choice 'This is a major achievement not to be ignored by historians of technology or business in the 18th century.' Business History 'Firmly based on a multitude of archival and printed sources in France, Britain and the United States, Industrial Espionage and Technology Transfer provides an excellent account of English legislation, case studies of targeted industries and inventions, and surveys of British entrepreneurs' attitudes, along with brief summaries of attempted and actual spying....' Labor History '...extremely well-researched and a pleasure to read...can therefore be recommended not only to the specialist but also to the interested general reader...Harris' book is the legacy of a true scholar....' Archives Internationales d'Histoire des Sciences 'Even before publication this work was recognized as a masterpiece by those best qualified to judge, namely, FranAois Crouzet and Peter Mathias. Their verdict will be endorsed by all who are fortunate enough to read it. Its subject is important and its approach persuasive...excellent...This work will remain a permanent memorial to a scholar of profound learning and genuine modesty. It transforms our understanding of the Industrial Revolution and will influence both teaching and research far into the future... indispensable to all who are interested in the history of technology, science, economic development, and Britain's relations with the wider world.' Technology and Culture '...a delight to handle and read...a definitive and monumental work ... a combination of large a

'It is rarely that a work of history can be called definitive - or almost so, but this monumental book fully deserves this designation.' from foreword by Francois Crouzet 'The archival material it contains is unique and the story it tells...is both intrinsically important and fascinating in the detail' Peter Mathias 'a painstakingly thorough exploration of industrial transfer between France and Britain from 1710 to 1800.' Choice 'This is a major achievement not to be ignored by historians of technology or business in the 18th century.' Business History 'Firmly based on a multitude of archival and printed sources in France, Britain and the United States, Industrial Espionage and Technology Transfer provides an excellent account of English legislation, case studies of targeted industries and inventions, and surveys of British entrepreneurs' attitudes, along with brief summaries of attempted and actual spying...' Labor History '...extremely well-researched and a pleasure to read...can therefore be recommended not only to the specialist but also to the interested general reader...Harris' book is the legacy of a true scholar...' Archives Internationales d'Histoire des Sciences 'Even before publication this work was recognized as a masterpiece by those best qualified to judge, namely, Francois Crouzet and Peter Mathias. Their verdict will be endorsed by all who are fortunate enough to read it. Its subject is important and its approach persuasive...excellent...This work will remain a permanent memorial to a scholar of profound learning and genuine modesty. It transforms our understanding of the Industrial Revolution and will influence both teaching and research far into the future... indispensable to all who are interested in the history of technology, science, economic development, and Britain's relations with the wider world.' Technology and Culture '...a delight to handle and read...a definitive and monumental work ... a combination of large and significant themes in the transfer of technology which John Harris explores in this last book, and he does so with great scholarship and dexterity, and also with good humour and elegance. The book is an important contribution to historical studies, and especially to the history of technology. It will endure as an impressive monument to its author.' Annals of Science 'Within its bursting seams, it brings together for the first time the full human story of a vital aspect of the relationship between Europe's two begetters of revolution .' The International History Review 'This is a big book, both literally in its impressive size and figuratively in its contributions... This significant book contains a wealth of detail that only an accomplished master of the subject like the late John Harris could have written... worthwhile and important.' Journal of Modern History '... thorough, yet easy to read.' Ambix

Author Information

John R. Harris, formerly University of Birmingham, UK

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