Taxation Theory

Author: William Petty
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: Translating and publishing classic works of Western economics, such as the translation of The Wealth of Nations by British economist H. Fawcett (1833–1884) from A Guide to Political Economy (1863), which was first printed in Shanghai American Press in 1882. This tradition has spanned over a century. Looking back at this relatively short yet winding journey, it is evident that it is closely tied to the profound changes in Chinese society over the past hundred and more years. To some extent, it reflects and mirrors the trends and directions of Chinese intellectual thought, particularly in the field of economics.
Regarding the translation and publication of classic works of Western economics since the founding of the country, I believe it has clearly shown two distinct phases. In the decades before the reform and opening-up, the translation and publication of Western economic works were not only limited in quantity but also served the purpose of providing targets and materials for criticism. People may have different views and evaluations on the inevitable emergence of this situation and its duration, but it is now a common consensus that this state of affairs cannot be maintained as is. Since the reform and opening-up, the translation and publication of Western economic works have entered a new phase. In just over two decades, the volume, variety, speed, and influence of translations have been unprecedented, presenting a vibrant and prosperous scene. This is a need driven by China's social reform and development and a sign of historical progress, with the mainstream undoubtedly being positive. However, it is inevitable that there are shortcomings in the selection of materials and the quality of translations.
The publication of this new Bible of Western Economics Translation Series by Huaxia Publishing House comes at the right time. In the new era of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, with the deepening of the reform of the socialist market economy system and the growth of the Chinese economics profession, we need a deeper and more accurate understanding of Western economics. At the same time, the accumulated experience and lessons from decades of translating and publishing Western economics have turned into valuable wealth, enabling us to build on past achievements and push forward this endeavor even further.
We will adhere to practice as the standard, more appropriately the scope and objectives of material selection, and strive to comprehensively and accurately reflect the outstanding achievements of Western economics, incorporating representative and influential works from different historical periods into our focus. We will demand the well-known "faithfulness, expressiveness, and elegance" in translation quality, striving to present superior translations to readers. We will also seriously listen to any criticism and suggestions from the general readers and scholars and continuously improve and enhance our work as we release the series in batches.
Among the significant works that have emerged in the development of Western economics to date, Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations (first published in 1776), Alfred Marshall's Principles of Economics (first published in 1890), and John Maynard Keynes's The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money (1936) are recognized as three epoch-making works. The Wealth of Nations laid the foundation for classical economic liberalism; Principles of Economics, as a representative of neoclassical economics, summarized economic liberalism; and The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money marked the end of economic liberalism and the beginning of modern state interventionism. Therefore, they are being launched together as the first batch. Other classics will be published in the future.