62 pages • 2 hours read
Sven BeckertEmpire of Cotton
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2014A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Empire of Cotton by Sven Beckert chronicles the history of the global cotton trade and its vast network of growers, merchants, and manufacturers, exploring the origins and evolution of modern capitalism from the Industrial Revolution through the 20th century, highlighting the connections between cotton, slavery, colonialism, and labor exploitation. The book addresses the historical and systemic use of slave labor, including discussions of violence and coercion.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Sven Beckert's Empire of Cotton is lauded for its compelling and comprehensive history of global capitalism through the lens of the cotton industry. Critics praise its depth and detail, though some find its density overwhelming. The book's interdisciplinary approach and thorough research are widely appreciated, yet a few mention a lack of engaging narrative style.
Who Should Read Empire of Cotton?
Readers who appreciate Empire of Cotton by Sven Beckert are typically interested in global economic history and capitalism. Comparable works include Jared Diamond's Guns, Germs, and Steel and Eric Hobsbawm's The Age of Capital. This audience values detailed historical analysis and the interconnectedness of global systems.