Lost Foundation: a Conversation with 18th Century Economist Richard Cantillon

Publisher Marketing: On a late spring morning in 2013 economics writer, Rand McGreal, stopped at a Seattle restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Shortly after Rand took a seat a stranger entered the nearly empty business. When Rand observed that the stranger was confused by the lack of a maitre d' at the door, he offered an explanation. The two began to converse. When the stranger introduced himself as Richard Cantillon, Rand was intrigued. Richard Cantillon was the name of a famous Irish economist. Rand wanted to know more about the stranger and his relationship to the real Richard Cantillon since the famous economist was the subject of Rand's next book project. The stranger proved to be quite versed in the theories of his namesake and Rand 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 Rand offered to give Richard, a British subject, a tour of downtown Seattle. The stranger insisted he was the real Richard Cantillon. Rand 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. Contributor Bio:  McGreal, Rand Rand McGreal is a businessman from Seattle, Washington. He has a broad diverse business history. His employment Resume includes a prominent role at three of the largest corporations in the country. He worked as a Senior Manager for one of the top ten banks in the U. S. He worked at one of the top retailers in the U. S. He also had a position with one of the leading international construction firms. His banking experience is also varied and includes leadership roles on one of the earliest and largest ATM networks, implementing a grocery store banking program and the introduction of a debit card system. As a retailer he defined the scope and cost of hundreds of retail installations. As a construction project leader he helped structure the financing and scale of a large convention center, helped Microsoft expand their data center, redeveloped six blocks of waterfront retail outside Seattle including planning and designing a new ferry terminal. With this vast range of business experience Rand can speak authoritatively about how to structure change including how to expand employment, reduce debt and build wealth. You will find that his business perspective of Economics challenges the conventional assumptions of the academic community about growth and prosperity. From this business perspective he clearly explains his ideas and why we must change before we can obtain a debt-free and prosperous society. Rand approaches Economics like a businessman. Economics to Rand is an opportunity to make a better product. He sees Economics not as a science to be marveled at, but just a system of commerce that can be fine-tuned to achieve the financial resources a country needs to prosper. Rand has changed his local community with his rich creative instincts, and now he applies these personal traits to solve our economic problems. Rand is a Graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio and Regis University in Denver where he obtained his MBA. His MBA is a dual major in Finance and Accounting.