1 Introduction, 2 In the sweat of thy brow: concepts of work in pre-classical and classical economics, 3 Work contra the classical economists: pro-work sentiments in the late eighteenth century and nineteenth century, 4 The Marxian view of work, 5 From pain cost to opportunity cost: the eclipse of the quality of work as a factor in economic theory, 6 Institutional perspectives on work, 7 Mainstream economics and the hidden abode of production, 8 Conclusion