How do the intellectual origins and historical background of western and other theories of development affect their relevance to contemporary Third-World conditions? This is the central question behind Gavin Kitching's examination of 'development studies', first published in 1982, from its origins in the late 1940s through to the contemporary era. While presenting the contemporary 'radical orthodoxy' of development studies, Kitching argues that these theories are continuations of much older traditions of populist and neo-populist thought.
'This is an excellent book. It is very clearly written; students can and should read it. Perhaps its greatest virtue is to extend the range (both in time and conceptually) of what is to count as development theory, well beyond the narrow economistic concerns of both mainstream and much Marxist writing.' - Journal of Development Studies
'A major and indeed brilliant contribution to the debate. He has achieved a rare success. For those embarking on a study of the issues he has produced an excellent introduction, as lucid as it is wide-ranging. For those already familiar with the debates, his unusual and imaginative approach provokes fresh engagement.' - Third World Book Review
