A detailed exploration of the influence and utility of Thomas Malthus' model of population growth and economic changes in Europe since the nineteenth century. This important contribution to current discussions on theories of economic growth includes discussion of issues ranging from mortality and fertility to natural resources and the poverty trap.

BRUNO CHIARINI holds a PhD from the University of Southampton, UK, and is full professor at the University of Naples Parthenope, Italy. He has published numerous articles in international journals and his research interests include econometric modelling, fiscal policy and strategic analysis.
PAOLO MALANIMA holds a PhD from the Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy, and is Director of the Institute of Studies on Mediterranean Societies of the National Research Council (ISSM-CNR), in Naples. He is author of articles and books on European economic history.