Product guide

Capitalism: A Global History

Capitalism: A Global History by Sven Beckert traces capitalism across regions and a millennium, connecting trade, state power, slavery, industrialization, and workers' lives. Its 1,344-page scope is suited to readers seeking a substantial, globally framed history rather than a short introduction.

At a glance

Presents capitalism as a global history spanning the past millennium.
Moves between merchants, state-backed institutions, plantation slavery, industrialization, and workers across different regions.
The publisher description emphasizes agency, resistance, innovation, and coercion alongside economic change.

Price

$23.00Save 53%

Reference price: ~~$49.00~~

Price checked: Nov 14, 2026

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Pros and cons

Pros

The global framing connects political power and economic change across regions rather than limiting the story to one nation.
Its extensive scope offers a detailed reference for readers exploring capitalism's history and institutions.

Cons

At 1,344 pages and 3.8 pounds, this is a substantial book, not a compact overview.

Technical specifications

8 specifications

Publication
Publisher	Penguin Press
Publication date	November 25, 2025
Language	English
Print length	1344 pages

Dimensions and installation
Weight listed	3.8 pounds
Dimensions	6.56 x 2.28 x 9.56 inches

Identifiers
ISBN-10	0735220832
ISBN-13	978-0735220836

What to know before buying

The description frames capitalism's history through state power, imperial expansion, slavery, and labor, alongside trade and productivity. Readers looking for a concise or narrowly focused introduction may prefer a shorter or more specialized history.

Who is it for?

A good fit for

Readers seeking an extensive global history of capitalism.
Students and general readers interested in economic history, empire, labor, and the role of governments in shaping markets.
Readers who value broad historical scope and are comfortable with a long book.

Less suited to

Readers looking for a brief primer, a contemporary economics textbook, or a narrowly focused regional account.

Customer reviews on Amazon

4.4 / 5 · 269 ratings

5 stars69%69%
4 stars17%17%
3 stars8%8%
2 stars4%4%
1 star2%2%

Customer feedback describes the book as informative and comprehensive, with readers appreciating its global perspective and treatment of capitalism's history, including how governments shape economic outcomes. Reactions to readability and content are mixed, so its 1,344-page length and wide scope may suit readers who want depth better than those seeking an easy or concise overview. Aggregate ratings lean positive overall, but do not resolve those differences in individual experience.

Positive themes

Customers describe the analysis as insightful and rational and praise its comprehensive historical scope.
Feedback highlights the global perspective and the book's account of how governments shape economic outcomes.

Mixed feedback

Customer reactions to readability and content vary, ranging from strong praise to sharp criticism.

Frequently asked questions

What period does this book cover?

The publisher description says it traces capitalism across the past millennium, from early trading communities through industrialization and the modern world.

What topics does the book examine?

Its account includes trade, states and merchants, imperial expansion, slave labor, industrialization, workers, and resistance across multiple regions.

Is this a short introduction?

No. The listed print length is 1,344 pages, making it a substantial work for readers seeking a broad and detailed account.