A third of a century ago, E. F. Schumacher rang out a timely warning against the idolatry of giantism with his book Small Is Beautiful. Few books before or since have spoken so profoundly to urgent economic and social considerations. Schumacher saw that we needed to relearn the beauty of smallness, of human-scale technology and environments. It was no coincidence that his book was subtitled Economics as if People Mattered.
Joseph Pearce revisits Schumacher’s arguments and examines the multifarious ways in which Schumacher’s ideas themselves still matter. Faced though we are with fearful new technological possibilities and the continued centralization of power in large governmental and economic structures, there is still the possibility of pursuing a saner and more sustainable vision for humanity.
'A timely reminder of Schumacher's prophetic words; just as relevant now as when they were written 25 years ago! Everyone should read this book.' -- Alan Gear, HDRA
'I welcome this timely reiteration of Schumacher's powerful ideas and philosophy brought up to date for the new millennium.' -- Patrick Holden, Soil Association
'I read Small is Still Beautiful with great interest ! it captures the spirit of a number of organisations which are ensuring that co-operation makes a difference in the world.' -- David Dickman, UK Co-operative Council
'[An] elegant and hard-hitting commentary on today's defective economic orthodoxy and political cowardice.' -- Jonathan Porritt, Forum for the Future
'This book is well worth reading for a contemporary understanding of Schumacher's philosophy.' -- Bob Allen, Social Enterprise Advisor
Joseph Pearce is a professional biographer and literary researcher, and is the author of 'Solzhenitsyn: A Soul in Exile', 'Wisdom and Innocence: A Life of G. K. Chesterton' and 'Tolkien: Man and Myth'. His first novel, 'The Three Ys Men' was published in 1998. He lives in Norfolk, England.
