The final work of the great sociologist, economist, and political scientist Max Weber (1864-1920),General Economic Historyfeatures the innovative interpretations of economic life and change for which its author is famed. Starting with descriptions and analyses of the agrarian systems, Weber explores the manorial system, guilds, and early capitalism as developed on plantations and other estates. Subsequent economic trends include the organization of industry and mining, the development of commerce, technical requisites for transporting goods, and banking systems. The final section surveys the evolution of capitalism and the capitalistic spirit, concluding with Weber's celebrated discussion of the relationship of religion to the cultural history of capitalism. Unabridged republication of the classic 1927 edition.