Capitalism: A Very Short Introduction

Capitalism: A Very Short Introduction

What is capitalism? Is capitalism the same everywhere? Is there an alternative? <br><br>The word "capitalism" is one that is heard and used frequently, but what is capitalism really all about, and what does it mean? This <em>Very Short Introduction</em> addresses questions such as, "what is capital?" before discussing the history and development of capitalism through several detailed case studies, ranging from the <em>tulipomania</em> of 17th century Holland, the Great Depression of the 1930s, and in this new edition, the impact of the global financial crisis that started in 2007-08.<br><br>James Fulcher looks at the different forms that capitalism takes in Britain, Japan, Sweden, and the United States, and explores whether capitalism has escaped the nation-state by going global. It ends by asking whether there is an alternative to capitalism, discussing socialism, communal and cooperative experiments, and the alternatives proposed by environmentalists.<br><br><strong>ABOUT THE SERIES:</strong><br>The <em>Very Short Introductions</em> series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.<br>