Few figures are more
crucial to understanding the upheavals of our contemporary era than
Karl Polanyi. In a world riven by social and economic crises, from
rising inequality to the decay of democratic institutions and
profound technological disruption, Polanyi’s path-breaking account
of the dynamics of market capitalism and his defence of society and
nature against the dangerous tendencies of the market capitalist
system are more relevant than ever.
This book brings
together Polanyi’s most important articles and essays to give a
unique selection of his essential shorter writings, mixing classic
texts with significant but previously little-known pieces. It
highlights the coherence and richness of Polanyi’s theoretical and
political approach, making it indispensable for understanding his
overarching intellectual contribution. The volume includes his
interwar writings, which deal with the world economic crisis and the
socialist alternative to conservative and fascist developments; his
reflection on political theory and the international situation after
the war; and his comparative studies of economic institutions.
Polanyi’s political writings are complemented and supported by the
critique of economic determinism and what he termed ‘our obsolete
market mentality’.
This book is an
invaluable companion to Polanyi’s masterpiece, The Great
Transformation, and an essential resource for students and scholars
of political economy, sociology, history and political philosophy.
