Product Description

Chosen by BusinessWeek as One of the Top Ten Business Books of the Year

With apologies to Hegel, Marx, and Lenin, the basic unit of modern society is neither the state, nor the commune, nor the party; it is the company. From this bold premise, John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge chart the rise of one of history’s great catalysts for good and evil.

In a “fast-paced and well-written” work (Forbes), the authors reveal how innovations such as limitations on liability have permitted companies to rival religions and even states in importance, governing the flow of wealth and controlling human affairs–all while being largely exempt from the rules that govern our lives.

The Company is that rare, remarkable book that fills a major gap we scarcely knew existed. With it, we are better able to make sense of the past four centuries, as well as the events of today.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #331299 in Books
• Published on: 2005-01-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 7.99" h x .60" w x 5.17" l, .45 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 256 pages

Review
'as an introduction to the subject it is an engaging read, full of thought-provoking cameos.....the elegantly concise account of what the company has done for the world so far.' (Martin Vander Weyer, THE DAILY TELEGRAPH )

'the authors, journalists on The Economist, know their subject, write with assurance and wit and have many fascinating thins to say about the past and future of the company.' (Michael Skapinker, THE FINANCIAL TIMES )

'Through focusing upon 'the company' the authors have written an often very interesting account of the the components of the machine.' (John Corcoran MORNING STAR )

'The authors, being both correspondents for The Economist, do this with authority, wit, verve and much combative defence of capitalism' (Morgan Falconer HAM & HIGH )

'John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge's marvellous and concise book' (Mr Tripathi WALL ST JOURNAL )

Mr Tripathi, WALL ST JOURNAL
'John Micklethwait and Adrian Wooldridge's marvellous and concise book'

About the Author
John Micklethwait directs coverage of the United States for the The Economist. He lives in London. Adrian Wooldridge works for The Economist in Washington, D.C. They are the co-authors of THE WITCH DOCTORS and A FUTURE PERFECT. Adrian Wooldridge works for The Economist in Washington, D.C. He is a co-author of THE WITCH DOCTORS and A FUTURE PERFECT.