PrefaceThis book combines a brief review of the evolution of some of the mostimportant institutions of capitalism with analyses of recurring ideologicaldefenses of capitalism and radical critiques of capitalism. The unique feature0fthe book is the method of interweaving economic history and intellectual,or ideological, history. It is my belief that neither conservative defensesof capitalism nor radical rejections of it can be adequately appreciateduntil one is aware of the existential context within which they arose. Thisbook attempts to provide an introduction to the study of the relationshipbetween economic history and intellectual history. No methodological arguments about the nature and extent of direct causal relations between economic history and intellectual history are made. Rather, I have merely juxtaposed events and ideas in a manner that I hope will stimulate readers to ponder these issues and formulate their own con- clusions. The sixth edition has been changed in several ways. Some material from previous editions has been consolidated and rewritten. The capitalist economic system is more adequately defined in Chapter 2. A substantial section on anticommunism as a conservative ideology of capitalism has been added to Chapter 13. A detailed critique of anticommunism has also been added. Most of the remaining changes have been slight, involving updating and numerous minor alterations of the material in the earlier editions. My deep and lasting appreciation goes to all who have taught me, particularly Professors Sydney Coontz, Kiyotoshi Iwamoto, and Lawrence Nabers. Professor Howard J. Sherman has provided extensive suggestions b~leriticisms that have improved the book. I am also grateful to Professors~