RICARDO, DAVID (1772-1823)

—Political economist, s. of a Jewish stockbroker, himself followed the same busine , in which he acquired a large fortune. On his marriage he conformed to Christianity. He was an original and powerful writer on economic subjects, his chief work being The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation (1817). After retiring from busine he entered the House of Commons, where, owing to his remarkable power of lucid exposition, combined with his reputation as a highly succe ful man of busine , he acquired great influence. The writings of R. are among the cla ics of his subject.