The importance of this book, translated for the first time in 1983, lies not so much in List's advocacy of the fiscal policy of protection as in the relatively new doctrines that he put forward. He discussed stages of economic growth, 'productive powers' and the industrialisation of developing regions.

The importance of this book, translated for the first time in 1983, lies not so much in List's advocacy of the fiscal policy of protection as in the relatively new doctrines that he put forward. He discussed stages of economic growth, 'productive powers' and the industrialisation of developing regions. List's most fundamental teachings are fully developed in this book.