Integrating politics, economics, and law, Freedman traces the origin, development, and the role of joint-stock companies in France from the prerevolutionary Old Regime to the reorganization of the corporation under the legislation of 1867. He focuses on two types of companies, the societe anonyme and the societe en commandite par actions, to show that French corporate law was as liberal as any in Europe and should be regarded as a positive contributor to French economic growth. Originally published 1979. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.