The paper is the first inaugural contribution to the new series of "Recollections of Eminent Economists". Under this name, the previous series of the journal (then called "Banca Nazionale del Lavoro Quarterly Review") used to publish autobiographic essays in which renowned economists described their scientific path and reflected on the recent developments of the discipline. In this work, A.P. Thirlwall recalls his personal and academic biography, ranging from employment in the UK to consultancy work in developing countries, and comments on the reception
of his main works. Among the latter, special attention is paid to regional and development economics, as well as to the relation between the balance of payments and economic growth.
Throughout the discussion, the author emphasizes the Keynesian inspiration of his analyses
