Theorist, practitioner, educator and arguably the father of professional economics, Alfred Marshall's life and career have long required a full scale biography to put his work into context and reveal the extent of his influence. Peter Groenewegen's outstanding new book places the major features of Marshall's life and work within the rich institutional setting of late nineteenth and early twentieth century Britain. This biography sheds new light on Marshall's decision to study economics - after dropping mathematics, philosophy and psychology in turn - and the background to his important books, including the Principles of Economics, as well as his government advice over three decades. More than just the life of a major economist, it also deals with economics and mathematics education at Cambridge, contemporary controversies over socialism, imperialism, free trade, eugenics, religious belief, social welfare and the women's movement. As the first biography of Alfred Marshall, A Soaring Eagle contributes to the history of economics, the social sciences and education while also offering a series of insights into Victorian and Edwardian society. Review 'Groenewegen's magnificent biography of Alfred Marshall provides a veritable mountain of detailed evidence on the development and contributions of a remarkable and complex human being during his long life. Groenewegen has left no stone unturned that might conceal the remotest detail of Marshall's background and like. The book will unquestionably be the standard source for any future scholars of the economist whose Principles of Economics dominated the teaching of pricer theory from its first publication in 1890 until well into the 19th century.''. . . Professor Peter Groenewegen's A Soaring Eagle: Alfred Marshall, 1842-1924 is not just a masterpiece of the history of economic thought, but probably the only book by an Australian economist which will still be consulted in a century's time.''It is not only a much needed work but one of impressive scholarship and good judgment. If there ever was an eminent Victorian, Marshall was representative of its ideal type. Groenewegen explains all this, and much more, in great detail and I enjoyed every page of this impressive book. Scholars will find this study of Marshall authoritative, thorough, original, fascinating, and the standard work on Marshall.' -- Gerard M. Koot, Albion'Peter Groenewegen's magnificent biography of Alfred Marshall provides a veritable mountain of detailed evidence on the development and contributions of a remarkable and complex human being during his long life. Groenewegen has left no stone unturned that might conceal the remotest detail of Marshall's background and life. Truly a labor of love, no effort has been spared to assure that it is complete and balanced. The book will unquestionably be the standard source for any future scholars of the economist whose Principles of Economics dominated the teaching of price theory from its first publication in 1890 until well into the twentieth century.' -- M. Friedman, Journal of Economic Literature About the Author The late Peter Groenewegen, formerly Professor of Economics and Director, Centre for the Study of the History of Economic Thought, University of Sydney, Australia
