In this sequel to Multinational Enterprise in Historical Perspective (1986) the same editorial team continues the historical explanation of a vital but often misconstrued commercial phenomenon. The contributory essays, each written by an authority in the field and based on original historical research, raise further theoretical questions on the idea of the firm, on periodization, and on research and development, and examine the international financial operations of worldwide corporate business. The discussion is extended to include the production of mass consumer goods and the regions of China, Japan, and Latin America.