From the colonial era to the present day, small businesses have been an integral part of American life. First published in 1991 and now thoroughly revised and updated, "A History of Small Business in America" explores the central but ever-changing role played by small enterprises in the nation's economic, political, and cultural development. Examining small businesses in manufacturing, sales, services, and farming, Mansel Blackford argues that while small firms have always been important to the nation's development, their significance has varied considerably in different time periods and in different segments of our economy. Throughout, he relates small business development to changes in America's overall business and economic systems and offers comparisons between the growth of small business in the United States to its development in other countries. He places special emphasis on the importance of small business development for women and minorities. Unique in its breadth, this book provides the only comprehensive overview of these significant topics.

曼塞尔•布莱克福德是商业历史的专家，其目前的工作涉及企业史，以及企业同全球社会和政治变化的关系。曾担任经济和商业历史学会会长、企业历史研讨会会长，并两次作为高级富布赖特讲师到日本。