Tertiary economics and business education started early in Australia but was not organised on a faculty basis until the 20th century. Commerce and business teaching at Sydney University began in 1906, and from 1920 was taught in the Faculty of Economics, together with public administration and accounting. Its progress for the next 80 years is chronicled in this comprehensive history of the Faculty of Economics.

The book presents a broad overview of staff, students and courses of study during Depression, war, postwar reconstruction, student unrest and successful moves to add further Business studies. A prelude surveys the 19th-century beginnings and the epilogue presents the varied education opportunities offered for the 21st century by the Faculty of Economics and Business.