This timely and important book presents a unique study of happiness from both economic and political perspectives. It offers an overview of contemporary research on the emergent field of happiness studies and contains contributions by some of the leading figures in the field

Introduction: On modes of exchange -- Mini world systems -- The sedentary revolution -- The gift and magic -- World-empire -- The state -- World money -- World empires -- Universal religions -- The modern world system -- The modern state -- Industrial capital -- Nation -- Associationism -- The...