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How do economists decide what questions to address and how to choose their theories? How do they tackle the problems of the economic system and give advice on public policy? With these broad questions, Nobel laureate R.H. Coase reflects on some of the most fundamental concerns of economists over the past two centuries. In these 15 essays on the history and philosophy of economics, Coase focuses on outstanding figures in the field, including Adam Smith and Alfred Marshall. He demonstrates that we can still learn from Smith's work, but raises the question of what economists have been doing since Smith's day. Coase also provides biographical sketches of Marshall and assesses his contribution to economics. The final four essays consist of personal thoughts on Sir Arnold Plant, Duncan Black, and George Stigler, as well as economists at the London School of Economics in the 1930s.