Local Economy

This book shows in depth that local economy is superior to global economy not only on conceptual grounds but also on empirical grounds. The logic is very clear and the arguments are so well-organized that it is very easy for the reader to follow them. In addition, the specific claims and proposals are well motivated on conceptual grounds, presented in a very illuminating way, and successfully defended with ample data and arguments. One of the most remarkable achievements the author has accomplished in this book is his success in showing the importance of local economy in the linguistic theory on empirical grounds. Second is his successful implementation of local economy in the current theory of Chomskyan linguistic (the 'Minimalis theory'). this book will be of great consequence to the current theory of grammar.

Hiroyuki Ura, Faculty of Language and Culture, Osaka University

Chris Collins' book, Local Economy, approaches the foundational notions of syntactic theory from a very sharp perspective. It proposes an interesting departure from the current views on Economy, where the optimal derivation is chosen out of the convergent ones. Collins argues instead that Economy principles apply locally without regard to convergence. This work makes a significant contribution to the study of syntax, with important implications for various aspects of the theory. I am sure that our field will benefit greatly from the publication of this work.

Akira Watanabe, Department of English, Kanda University of International Studies

This monograph will provoke a great deal of constructive discussionand debate among syntacticians of all kinds. Collins has done anespecially good job of making the work accessible to those of us whodidn't 'grow up' in Building 20.

Molly Diesing, Cornell University