In this classic work of economic history and social theory, Karl Polanyi analyzes the economic and social changes brought about by the "great transformation" of the Industrial Revolution. His analysis explains not only the deficiencies of the self-regulating market, but the potentially dire social consequences of untempered market capitalism. New introductory material reveals the renewed importance of Polanyi's seminal analysis in an era of globalization and free trade.

卡尔·波兰尼（Karl Polany，1886-1964）是20世纪公认的最彻底、最有辨识力的经济史学家。当法西斯主义兴起时，他离开了出生的匈牙利，成为英国公民。在其学术生涯中，曾先后在牛津大学的本宁顿学院和伦敦大学教书。著有《法西斯主义的本质》、《大转型》和《达荷美和奴隶贸易》(与A．罗特施泰因合作)等作品。