Archive · 18 Dec 2025
New Books: Capitalism and Memoir Critiques
Two new books have been reviewed recently.
The first, 'Capitalism: A Global History' by Sven Beckert, is a big book that talks about how capitalism started and spread around the world.
It begins in a city called Aden almost 900 years ago and shows how different places, like Europe, Asia, and the Islamic caliphate, played roles in its development.
Some people think the book is too broad, but others find it very informative.
The second book, 'American Canto' by Olivia Nuzzi, is a memoir that talks about her experiences as a journalist and her relationship with a politician.
Some reviewers say it's confusing and doesn't give much insight, while others appreciate some of her observations about politics.
Both books have received mixed reviews, with some praising their depth and others criticizing their approach.
Sven Beckert's 'Capitalism: A Global History' challenges the European-centric view of capitalism's origins, tracing it back to 12th-century Aden.
The book presents capitalism as a global phenomenon driven by the accumulation of privately controlled capital, with a focus on its exploitative aspects.
Critics praise the book's breadth and scholarship but note its occasionally textbook-like tone and broad definition of capitalism.
Olivia Nuzzi's 'American Canto' is a memoir that discusses her journalistic career and a rumored affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Reviews of 'American Canto' are mixed, with some appreciating its political vignettes and others criticizing its rambling and lack of insight.
- Who
- Sven Beckert and Olivia Nuzzi
- What
- Release of two books: 'Capitalism: A Global History' and 'American Canto'
- When
- Recent release dates (specific dates not mentioned)
- Where
- Global context for 'Capitalism: A Global History'; U.S. context for 'American Canto'
- Why
- To provide historical analysis and personal memoir insights
- Author of 'Capitalism: A Global History'
- Sven Beckert
- Author of 'American Canto'
- Olivia Nuzzi
- Pages in 'Capitalism: A Global History'
- 1,300
- Pages in 'American Canto'
- 300
- Beckert's Definition of Capitalism
- A process driven by the ceaseless accumulation of privately controlled capital
- Nuzzi's Former Role
- Star political reporter
- Kennedy's Current Role
- Secretary of Health and Human Services