This 1926 survey, written by a distinguished social and economic historian, examines the role of religion in the rise of capitalism. Arguing that material acquisitiveness is morally wrong and a corrupting social influence, the author draws upon his profound knowledge of labor and politics to show how concentrated wealth distorts economic policies. Unabridged republication of the edition published by Harcourt, Brace and Company, New York, 1920.
The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism by Max Weber Author's best-known and most controversial study relates the rise of a capitalist economy to the Puritan belief that hard work and good deeds were outward signs of faith and salvation.
The Wealth of Nations: Representative Selections by Adam Smith Milestone of political philosophy and first systematic formulation of classical English economics. Emphasizes concept of labor as only source of wealth, and defines wealth as access to convenience and pleasure.
General Economic History by Max Weber Starting with descriptions and analyses of the agrarian systems, the famed economist explores manorial system, guilds, and early capitalism, organization of industry and mining, development of commerce, the transporting of goods, and more.
