This book was written by the anarchist Peter Kropotkin, and discusses the decentralization of industries, possibilities of agriculture, and uses of small industries. Through the book, he sought to connect anarchism with science, based on sociological tendencies. The book was compiled from essays he had published in Nineteenth Century and Forum between 1888 and 1890. Before this book on economics, Kropotkin had been known for his militant activity on behalf of international anarchism and writings on Siberian geography.