The evolution of economic institutions : a critical reader pt. 1. Individuals interactions and institutions pt. 2. Economic development and path dependence pt. 3. The market in economic thought pt. 4. Comparative evolutionary perspectives. It is now widely acknowledged that institutions are a crucial factor in economic performance. Major developments have been made in our understanding of the nature and evolution of economic institutions in the last few years. This book brings together some key contributions in this area by leading internationally renowned scholars including Paul A. David Christopher Freeman Alan P. Kirman Jan Kregel Brian J. Loasby J. Stanley Metcalfe Bart Nooteboom and Ugo Pagano. This essential reader covers topics such as the relationship between institutions and individuals institutions and economic development the nature and role of markets and the theory of institutional evolution. The book not only outlines cutting edge developments in the field but also indicates key directions of future research for institutional and evolutionary economics