Civilization and Capitalism, 15th–18th Century
Quick Summary
Fernand Braudel's Civilization and Capitalism, 15th–18th Century is a monumental three-volume work that examines the evolution of the European and world economy. Braudel, a leading figure of the Annales school of history, proposed a three-tiered view of historical time: the very long-term environmental longue durée, the medium-term of economies and societies, and the short-term of events.
The work is structured around these tiers:
* The Structures of Everyday Life: Focuses on material conditions, daily routines, and the limits of the possible.
* The Wheels of Commerce: Explores the functioning of markets, trade, and the development of capitalism.
* The Perspective of the World: Analyzes the global economy and the rise of European dominance.
Braudel integrated geography, sociology, and economics to present a sweeping study of human activity and development during this transformative period.1
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