An acerbic graphic takedown of capitalism.
In Hyper-Capitalism, cartoonist Larry Gonick and psychologist Tim Kasser offer a vivid and an accessible new way to understand how global, privatising, market-worshipping hyper-capitalism is threatening human wellbeing, social justice, and the planet.
Drawing from contemporary research, they describe and illustrate concepts (such as corporate power, free trade, privatisation, and deregulation) that are critical for understanding the world we live in, and movements (such as voluntary simplicity, sharing, alternatives to GDP, and protests) that have developed in response to the system.
Gonick and Kasser’s pointed and profound cartoon narratives provide a deep exploration of the global economy and the movements seeking to change it, all rendered in clear, graphic — and sometimes hilarious — terms. In the process, they point the way to a healthier future for all of us.
‘Like fish who don’t know they live in polluted water (because it’s everywhere), many people don’t know they live in economically, socially, and politically polluted societies. Hyper-Capitalism, in lucid prose and delightful graphics, pulls back the curtain with crystal clarity. I can’t think of a better book for young people to read as they chart their futures.’
Barry Schwartz, author of The Costs of Living, The Paradox of Choice, and Why We Work
‘This book explains much about how the world works, and why it increasingly doesn’t. Read it soon, before we lose any more ice caps.’
Bill McKibben, author of The End of Nature and Deep Economy
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‘A clear and concise description of how the market economy functions, why it encourages the worst aspects of human nature, and how we can cope in an age of excess.’
John Gowdy, Professor of Economics and Professor of Science and Technology Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
‘A great introduction to the current state of the economy and what can be done about it, and a solid addition for Gonick’s many fans.’
Library Journal
‘A timely counter to those who celebrate predatory economics as the best of all possible financial worlds.’
Kirkus Reviews
Praise for Larry Gonick‘Larry Gonick should get an Oscar for humour and a Pulitzer for history.’
Richard Saul Wurman, author and creator of the TED conference
‘Hyper-Capitalism is very funny.’
Erin Britton, Nudge Books
