"This book focuses on the beginnings of capitalism in Central Europe with emphasis on the German speaking areas from the 14th to the 17th century. It also reviews and assesses the writings on the topic by the most important thinkers of the twentieth century. At the center of the presentation are...

Introduction -- The history of divine providence -- International trade: God's universal economy -- Division of labour: the divine ordering of society -- Value and price: a providential abundance of necessities -- Self-interest: the invisible hand of God -- Poverty and inequality: rich and poor...