The Great Transformation
  • Published: 24 September 2024
  • ISBN: 9780241685556
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 384
  • RRP: $24.99

The Great Transformation

The Political and Economic Origins of Our Time

Formats & editions
Paperback
24 Sep 2024
EBook
20 Jun 2024
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A classic work of social science from 'the twentieth century's most prophetic critic of capitalism' Prospect

‘One of the most powerful books in social sciences ever written. ... A must-read.’ Thomas Piketty

Tracing the history of capitalism in England and beyond, Karl Polanyi's landmark 1944 classic brilliantly exposed the myth of laissez-faire economics. From the great transformation that occurred during the industrial revolution onwards, he showed, there has been nothing 'natural' about the market state. Instead, the economy must always be embedded in society, and human needs and relations. Witnessing the 'avalanche of social dislocation' of his time - from the Great Depression, to the rise of fascism and communism and the First and Second World Wars - Polanyi ends with a rallying cry for freedom, and a passionate vision to protect our common humanity.
  • Published: 24 September 2024
  • ISBN: 9780241685556
  • Imprint: Penguin Classics
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 384
  • RRP: $24.99
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Praise for The Great Transformation

‘One of the most powerful books in social sciences ever written. Polanyi convincingly shows that market fundamentalism, the religion of competition and the commodification of social relations largely contributed to fragilize Western societies and to lead to the authoritarian and totalitarian nightmare of 1914-1945. The same risk applies today at the global scale. A must-read.’

Thomas Piketty

With this book Karl Polanyi explained the rise of fascism in the 1920s and 30s. Today his great work sheds light on the worldwide rise of authoritarianism, and on our predicament. It is as essential and relevant as it was in 1944.

Ann Pettifor

Polanyi's vision for an alternative economy re-embedded in politics and social relations offers a refreshing alternative

Guardian

Polanyi exposes the myth of the free market

Joseph Stiglitz

The twentieth century's most prophetic critic of capitalism

Prospect