The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism. Translated by Talcott Parsons with a Foreword by R.H. Tawney

Description

Some slight pencil side-lining to text (eg p 17). Black cloth with some lightened spots near the top of both boards, gilt lettering to spine. Some foxing to page edges and rear endpaper. Front end page has a discoloured band and pencil markings. Dustwrapper price-clipped, slightly browned on spine and with small chips taken from both ends of spine, but protected in a removable clear plastic sleeve. The first English edition of Weber’s seminal work, first published in German in two parts in a social science journal in 1904-05 and revised in 1920. This translation was the work of American sociologist Talcott Parsons (1902-1979), a champion of Weber’s work in the English-speaking world and himself among the twentieth century’s leading sociologists. The Protestant Ethic argued for spiritual rather than economic impulses as the originating force of modern capitalism, framing Puritan ethics and beliefs, particularly the Calvinist doctrine of predestination, as responsible for reorientating the idea of the good life towards hard work and material success. Weber’s study was among the most consequential books of the twentieth century, and his focus on religious beliefs and values as the main engine of social change remains both controversial and highly influential. Robust packaging. Tracking is always added to USA orders. It can be added to other overseas orders on request. Used books are exempt from USA tariffs.