"In this collection of autobiographical essays, 26 prominent scholars detail their professional development while offering insight into their lives and philosophies. With candor and humor they relate how they came to the field of economics, as well as how their views have evolved over the years." "Examining the essayists' reflections affords us the opportunity to explore the question of what makes distinctive and exciting scholarship while allowing us to probe the criteria for excellence. These thoughtful essays will be of great value to students of economics and to all those interested in personal recollections of wise and accomplished scholars."--BOOK JACKET