The study of entrepreneurship is growing at all levels in business schools and teaching in this area is moving beyond the simple 'how to write a business plan' approach to a more in-depth exploration of the phenomenon of entrepreneurship.This contemporary text provides an introduction to some of the main theories and practices of entrepreneurship. It discuses what entrepreneurship is and who entrepreneurs are, and which factors - social, institutional and cultural - influence and facilitate their development. These ideas are extrapolated into a discussion of how organizations develop an entrepreneurial spirit, and what role entrepreneurship plays in achieving economic growth.Taking a multidisciplinary approach, this up-to-date book combines economic theory with both economic and cultural history. Throughout, examples are provided which illustrate the persistent obstacles to entrepreneurship and the various ways they can be overcome. Drawn from a range of European, North American and Asian entrepreneurs, these vignettes compare and contrast experiences and approaches in a range of cultural contexts. Engagingly written, and full of original insights and examples, this book is of great interest to anyone interested in all aspects of the phenomenon of entrepreneurship.