Imperial Germany and the Industrial Revolution, by Thorstein Veblen

Abstract

Although Imperial Germany was begun before United States entered World War I, little in book however relates to that particular conflict. Rather, this is in large part study of divergencies in cultural development between English-speaking peoples and German-speaking peoples, and of consequences this produced in economic and social spheres. Suppressed by war censors, Imperial Germany was again released after war, and has assumed place as major contribution to economics and sociology alike. The comments on book have scarcely been altered by time. Charles A. Beard noted that Veblen wrote for centuries, not for days, and his Imperial Germany ranks with his immortal Theory of Business Enterprise. Wesley C. Mitchell, reflecting on book during World War II, wrote that the natural causes that made Imperial Germany efficient are at work under Nazi regime, and forecast that proved sound once may do so again. Lewis Mumford called Imperial Germany still best picture of residual barbarisms in German civilization; soil out of which Nazism grew. This new edition is graced with brilliant and insightful opening essay that is at once commentary on Veblen's volume, and statement of historic status of German economy and society. Written by Otto G. Mayer, director in leading German Think Tank, HWWA-Institut fur Wirtschaftsforschung-Hamburg, editor of Intereconomics, journal issued in English, and an author of major policy statements on economic and social issues, new opening statement underscores view of those who came before, that Veblen's book is a treasure chest of knowledge.