Piero Sraffa: A Tribute

Abstract

It is a great privilege to be included in this Special Issue of the Cambridge Journal of Economics, which celebrates 50 years on from the publication of Piero Sraffa’s classic, Production of Commodities by Means of Commodities (1960, Cambridge University Press). I am delighted that, building on such a solid base, the contributors look forward to the new developments arising from his criticisms, insights and positive contributions. But perhaps I may be indulged if I look backwards, first, to my association with Piero Sraffa and his writings; and, secondly, to those of his and my dear friend, Krishna Bharadwaj, who died far too young at 56 in March 1992, but who left such a rich legacy in her writings, and with her wonderful life as teacher and scholar and extraordinary gift for supportive, deeply honest, friendship.

G. C. Harcourt opened the workshop ’New Perspectives on the Work of Piero Sraffa’, held at Queens’ College in Cambridge on 9 and 10 July 2010, with a tribute to Piero Sraffa. We are grateful to him for providing the following version for this Special Issue which has arisen from contributions to the workshop.