With a captivating narrative that stretches from the dusty plantations of the American South to the bustling textile mills of Manchester, England, Sven Beckert’s Empire of Cotton: A Global History offers an unflinching look at the widespread impact of cotton on the world’s economy and social fabric. Beckert deftly weaves stories of enslaved people, merchants, and factory workers, all tied together by the humble cotton plant. His nuanced portrayal of the industry’s tumultuous history proves that cotton’s reach extended far beyond its physical borders, forever shaping human history. Empire of Cotton offers a thought-provoking and richly researched exploration of an important pillar of the modern world.
