Arthur Latham Perry

author

Arthur Latham Perry

1830–1905

A leading 19th-century American economist, he taught generations of students at Williams College and became known for lively, accessible arguments in favor of free trade. His books helped bring political economy to a broad audience beyond the classroom.

1 Audiobook

Principles of Political Economy

Principles of Political Economy

by Arthur Latham Perry

About the author

Born in Lyme, New Hampshire, in 1830, Arthur Latham Perry graduated from Williams College in 1852 and soon joined its faculty. He served there for decades as professor of history and political economy, later becoming professor emeritus.

Perry was one of the best-known American writers on economics in his era. He argued strongly for free trade and wrote textbooks and popular works that aimed to explain economic ideas in clear, practical language rather than abstract theory.

Alongside his teaching, he published widely and remained closely associated with Williams College throughout his life. He died in 1905, leaving behind a substantial body of work that reflects the energetic public debates over commerce, tariffs, and economic policy in 19th-century America.