How Did The Dynamic Economic System We Know As Capitalism Develop Among The Peasants And Lords Of Feudal Europe? In The Origin Of Capitalism, A Now-classic Work Of History, Ellen Meiksins Wood Offers Readers A Clear And Accessible Introduction To The Theories And Debates Concerning The Birth Of Capitalism, Imperialism, And The Modern Nation State. Capitalism Is Not A Natural And Inevitable Consequence Of Human Nature, Nor Simply An Extension Of Age-old Practices Of Trade And Commerce. Rather, It Is A Late And Localized Product Of Very Specific Historical Conditions, Which Required Great Transformations In Social Relations And In The Relationship Between Humans And Nature.--page 4 Of Cover.