[lbo-talk] new spirit of capitalism

[bhandari at berkeley.edu]

typology of the different kinds of anti capitalism is really excellent, a
breakthrough  to give such clarity to the specificities of the aesthetic
reaction to capitalist modernity (see here also Mark Antliff's new book on
the French fascist avant garde, focusing on the influence of Georges
Sorel).  The thumbnail sketches of different social theorists about as
sharp as could be. have only read here and there in this massive treatise.
But what a service the translator Gregory Elliot has once again offered
the English speaking world. hope to read it cover to cover soon. All this
said, I think the book misunderstands the nature of capitalism and its
crises, does not  investigate the objective and subjective aspects of the
rise of rentier and globalized capitalism. In this sense the matter of
fact study by Andrew Glyn Capitalism Unleashed is a better guide. But as a
work of cultural studies Boltanski and Chiapello's book shines.
Yours, Rakesh