Lessons from the Poor: Triumph of the Entrepreneurial Spirit

by Álvaro Vargas Llosa (Editor), James D. Gwartney (Foreword by)

An important contribution to the literature of economic development, this book presents case studies of productive entrepreneurship in contemporary Africa and Latin America. It looks at the growth of Kenya's chain stores and one-person kiosks, the rise of barter clubs in Argentina, and Nigeria's clothing-design industry to illustrate economists' insights about entrepreneurship and the role that government regulations often play in impeding economic development.

Genres: Economics

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Geronimo · Rating 1 out of 5]

weak: biased research

[Liberté · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a good overview, and more than that, a good reference for further research on entrepreneurship in the developing world. Five case studies are included, with three focusing on specific companies that made it big from a small start. The other two studies focus on thriving entrepreneurial industries in Nigeria and Argentina that might become even more successful with the right institutions and reforms. The first two cases, both out of Peru, are the most compelling in part because the founders made it against all odds, but also because they innovated in unthought of ways which are now being studied in major business schools. An illustrative read but one which would require further work in each country for in-depth analysis.

[Elise Washington · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book takes on the role of business in particular entrepreneurship as a means to alleviate poverty. In it, methodical accounts of the rise of impoverished business developers in underdeveloped countries are given. Several case studies are featured documenting the economic progress of such individuals who has used entrepreneurship to create flourishing businesses and increase their standard of living.

[kathe · Rating 2 out of 5]

A pesar del título, tenía altas expectativas depositadas en este libro que no fueron satisfechas. Si bien los casos son interesantes, me parece que no guardan correlación con las enseñanzas que según el título se deben dar o recibir. Las historias son descritas con cierta deficiencia. Son casos de clase.

[Tkane]

Exciting new book of case studies that posits entrepreneurship as the key ingredient for international economic development, as opposed to foreign aid as a panacea.