This is the twenty-third edition of the "Harvard Economic Studies", focusing on the intricacies of the boot and shoe industry in Massachusetts before 1875. It chronicles the evolution and development of the industry from 1760-1875 and includes supplementary chapters on such subjects as Medieval shoemaking tools, modern shoe repair, contemporary manufacturing processes, and more. This volume is highly recommended for those with an interest in the history of the shoe industry, and it is not to be missed by collectors of allied literature. Contents include: "Home and Handicraft Stages", "Domestic Stage, Putting-Out System, 1760-1855. Phase 1, 1760-1810", "Domestic Stage. Phase 2, 1810-1837", "Domestic Stage. Phase 3, 1855-1875", "Factory Stage. Phase 1, 1855-1875", "The Human Element in the Boot and Shoe Industry", "Processes on Shoes in a Modern Factory", etc. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. It is with this in mind that we are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality addition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on history of shoemaking.