The book proposes a new transhistorical framework for understanding production, work, and consumption. It argues that these concepts share a fundamental characteristic: the intentional physical transformation of external elements by an agent over time. The work begins by examining diverse economic theoretical traditions, highlighting current issues with production definitions, before formally defining these concepts and discussing measurement and the production boundary. Unproductive work is re-conceptualized as socially reproductive, meaning it would not be performed in isolation. Finally, the framework is applied to historical examples, with considerations for the future of these economic activities.

This volume is positioned as essential for scholars in economic philosophy and methodology, the history of economic thought, economic history, and national accounting. The framework presented offers a novel approach to defining core economic activities by focusing on intentional physical transformation. Its application to historical cases and future-oriented discussion suggests a text that bridges theoretical analysis with practical and historical relevance. The availability of an Open Access version under a Creative Commons license indicates an effort to promote broad accessibility for researchers.