Introduction

In this paper we present the main results of an investigation into the correspondence exchanged among the group of economists active and influential at Cambridge in the first half of the 20th century. Our purpose is to analyse them as a group rather than as individuals, by studying the relations between authors pair-wise. Our main interest lies in tracing the links between various theoretical developments, reconstructing the “referential context” from which certain concepts and ideas emerged. By referential context we mean the common language evolving from the professional and personal relationships established within a group, and self-validated when exposed to external influences. Since language and style germinate and grow in a network of intellectual and personal relations, the material to draw upon to this end consists of published and unpublished material but mainly of the correspondence. Our main point is that these Cambridge authors should be seen as a group rather than a school. The former term does not necessarily imply –as does the latter - adherence to a common body of doctrine, but it does convey the ideas of cohesion and sharing among its components. Rather than constructing a common denominator of the various positions, in this paper we look at the issues they disagreed about in the course of their interchange, which was carried out orally, in published writings and in correspondence. At the same time we look at what they shared, which in the main were values, lifestyles and approach to work. We suggest a metaphor to capture the gestalt of this group – a set of intertwining circles, each intersecting at least one of the others, none intersecting all the others.