This book investigates the intersection of economic theory and public policy regarding the preservation and regulation of historical heritage sites and artifacts. Alan T. Peacock, an economist specializing in public finance, examines how governments justify their intervention in the heritage sector. He argues that economic analysis provides a necessary framework for evaluating the efficiency and social value of heritage policies in an era of increasing demand for cultural preservation.

Experts in cultural economics recognize this work as a foundational text for understanding the fiscal challenges of heritage management. Readers frequently note the academic density of the prose, which is tailored for policy makers and students of public administration.