The Origin of Capitalism

In The Origin of Capitalism, Ellen Meiksins Wood examines the emergence of capitalism within the context of feudal Europe, challenging the notion that it is a natural progression of human behavior or merely a continuation of trade practices. This seminal work serves as a clear and accessible introduction to the historical debates surrounding capitalism, imperialism, and the modern nation-state, emphasizing that capitalism is a product of specific historical conditions requiring significant changes in social relations and human interactions with nature.