Debt

Name: Debt
Brand: Melville House Publishing
SKU: 9781612194196
Price: 50.0 NZD
Availability: InStock

The First 5000 Years

By David Graeber

4.21

( 23,350 ratings, 2,896 reviews)

Summary

Debt by David Graeber explores the history and social implications of debt through various civilizations. The book examines how debt concepts have shaped societies, economies, and human relationships over thousands of years, offering a fresh perspective on finance and moral philosophy.
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Format: Paperback / softback

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Debt

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you're interested in exploring the history of economic systems and the concept of debt from a unique anthropological perspective. It offers thought-provoking insights and challenges conventional financial narratives, providing a thorough examination of how debt has shaped human societies for millennia.

Debt

Description

Immerse yourself in the provocative and intellectually stimulating world of Debt by David Graeber, a book that redefines our understanding of economic history and societal structures. This revised and updated edition of the international bestseller delves into the origins and implications of credit systems, presenting a groundbreaking narrative that challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding money and debt. Graeber, a distinguished anthropologist and one of the early organisers of Occupy Wall Street, meticulously explores how, for over 5000 years, humans have navigated complex credit systems, even before the inception of physical currency. This period, the book argues, marked the beginning of a societal divide between debtors and creditors.

Graeber takes readers on an enlightening journey through history, examining the evolution of debt, from the ancient agrarian empires to modern financial institutions. He illustrates how societies functioned using intricate systems of credit to facilitate trade and social obligations. These systems often reflected the power dynamics and moral underpinnings of the times, underscoring a relationship between indebtedness and hierarchy. Through extensive research and compelling storytelling, Debt reveals how these early financial practices have shaped contemporary economic theories and social contracts.

Debt is not just a historical analysis but also a deep dive into the philosophical and moral questions surrounding the obligation of debt. Graeber challenges readers to reconsider the structures and assumptions of our current financial systems, questioning notions of fairness, justice, and human dignity in the context of economic transactions. His insights draw from a wide array of disciplines, including anthropology, history, economics, and political theory, making the book a rich tapestry of interdisciplinary exploration.

With its vivid prose and meticulous scholarship, Debt is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the intricate and often hidden forces that shape our world. Graeber’s work is a powerful reminder of how historical practices continue to influence contemporary life, urging us to rethink the economic and social frameworks we often take for granted. This edition, revised and updated, ensures that readers are equipped with the most current understanding and reflections on a subject that remains as relevant as ever.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Debt by David Graeber is highly praised for its readability and engaging style, combining anthropological history with provocative political arguments. Reviewers appreciate its exploration of the emergence of credit, class society, and the history of money, rendering familiar concepts in a new light. It is described as both thought-provoking and exceedingly timely, standing out as a significant work in understanding social and economic transactions.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781612194196

Publisher: Melville House Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 28 October 2014

Country: United States

Imprint: Melville House Publishing

Edition: 2nd Revised edition

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 142.0mm

Height: 212.0mm

Weight: 540g

Pages: 548

Collections

All Books David Graeber Education & Reference Finance & Economics Finance & Investment Non-Fiction Tim's Books

About the Author

David Graeber (1961-2020) was a professor of anthropology at the London School of Economics. One of the original organizers of Occupy Wall Street, Graeber was also the author of Utopia of Rules and wrote widely for publications such as The Guardian, Harper's, The Baffler, n+1, The Nation, The New Inquiry, and The New Left Review.