ABSTRACT
To understand the success of Dutch book production during the seventeenth century, cluster theory suggests we should go back to its roots. 1 Cluster growth is generally attributed to the reproduction of sets of skills, routines, and specializations that take root in the early stages of development. How and why such sets develop in the first place tends to remain unexplained or it is attributed to chance, such as radical innovations, revolutions, wars, or general economic crises, or the arrival of exceptionally talented individuals. Such contingencies can disrupt industrial development, as they may attract entrepreneurs or, just the opposite, discourage them from setting up shop in certain locations. Other scholars have emphasized not all locations qualify equally for potential cluster development. Some places may simply be better suited for certain types of production or consumption than others. 2
