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A review by linehdk
Capitalism: A Short History by Jürgen Kocka
3.0
A Short History of Capitalism is interestingly enough written in very, very long sentences. That of course makes it rather difficult to read - and by that equally difficult to comprehend.
Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt that Kocka knows his stuff. It’s just that his professor style of writing demands huge amounts of concentration (and coffee) if you are to be able to absorb the content of his words.
EXHIBIT A:
“As was demonstrated by a renewal of interventionism in economic policy (e.g., nationalized industries), by growing public spending, but also by initiatives in foreign economic policy that accompanied the implementation of imperialism (protectionist tariffs, subsidies, zones of influence, and colonies established also for economic purposes), and especially by the rise of the welfare state starting in the 1880s, state authorities were now intervening with greater intensity in economy and society, just as, conversely, economic and social interests that had become increasingly organized were now exercising influence on politics and public policy through their lobbies and interest groups.”
[gasping for breath]
This is a re-write, Herr Kocka.
Don't get me wrong, I have no doubt that Kocka knows his stuff. It’s just that his professor style of writing demands huge amounts of concentration (and coffee) if you are to be able to absorb the content of his words.
EXHIBIT A:
“As was demonstrated by a renewal of interventionism in economic policy (e.g., nationalized industries), by growing public spending, but also by initiatives in foreign economic policy that accompanied the implementation of imperialism (protectionist tariffs, subsidies, zones of influence, and colonies established also for economic purposes), and especially by the rise of the welfare state starting in the 1880s, state authorities were now intervening with greater intensity in economy and society, just as, conversely, economic and social interests that had become increasingly organized were now exercising influence on politics and public policy through their lobbies and interest groups.”
[gasping for breath]
This is a re-write, Herr Kocka.