To be completely fair I was previously not at all well-versed in economics before reading this book, and only had the barest sense based on what others told me, I saw in headlines, or from simply being a participant in capitalism as a worker.

Basically this is an introduction to capitalism from a Marxist lens. At times, it felt like a study guide to Marx's Capital, as the author quotes Capital frequently and explains what Marx meant in a simplified way. From the perspective of someone who had barely any economic knowledge, I found it to be really accessible and explain things in a way that was easy to understand. The author even notes in the introduction that this was intended to be a clear and concise introduction, standing out against a field of economics studies that seem to be purposefully mystifying.

Overall, to me this felt like a good introduction, and I'm leaving it feeling like I understand much more than I did before. I'm also glad to have read a good introduction to capitalism not from a perspective that only preaches its infallibility. Now, I only wonder if the author plans to do a newer edition elaborating on what's happened since the pandemic. ( )

Impressive primer. No substitute for the hard yards of Capital but would provide an easier way in. ( )

A really good introduction to capitalism at the beginning of the 21st century.

Hadas Thier has an easy to read style, without slipping into cliche. This is a book that I cannot recommend highly enough. ( )