Lost Foundation

On a late spring morning in 2013 economics writer, Peter Barrie stopped at a Seattle restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Shortly after Peter took a seat a stranger entered the nearly empty business. When Peter observed that the stranger was confused by the lack of a ma?tre d' at the door, he offered an explanation. The two began to converse. When the stranger introduced himself as Richard Cantillon, Peter was intrigued. Richard Cantillon was the name of a famous Irish economist. Peter wanted to know more about the stranger and his relationship to the real Richard Cantillon since the famous economist was the subject of Peter's next book project. The stranger proved to be quite versed in the theories of his namesake and Peter took advantage of the opportunity to bounce some question off a devotee of his next book's subject. Eventually, the two struck up a casual relationship, and Peter offered to give Richard, a British subject, a tour of downtown Seattle. The stranger insisted he was the real Richard Cantillon. Peter was incredulous, but enjoyed the conversation with the mysterious man about 18th century events and the theories of Richard Cantillon. The stranger's unfamiliarity with elevators, escalators and glass walled skyscrapers leads to some humorous incidents between the 21st century guide and the 18th (?) century tourist. The conversations between the two economists are true to the theories of each and provide some interesting insights into current events. The book provides a good introduction into the ideas of Richard Cantillon and how a modern economist applies Richard's ideas to the 21st century. The conversation is detailed and will leave the reader pondering the ideas of the man acknowledged as the first modern economist. The book ends as mysteriously as it begins, but promises a sequel in the same vein.