Reviews
As this book copiously shows, money is probably one of the most used concepts in the social sciences and the humanities, not counting economics. . . . A significant accomplishment ---Alex Preda, American Journal of Sociology, "This brilliant book helps reconsidering views, opinions and theoretical claims on money that might be taken for granted too easily. It is a must-read for any scholar interested in the topic as it helps to better understand the nature of money--or, of monies. Also, surely many future in-depth case studies of particular forms of money will gain enormously from this work." ---Philipp Degens, LSE Sociology, "Nigel Dodd is one of the leading experts on the sociology of money. His excellent new book is a tour de force through sociological, economic, and philosophical theories of money, rich in historical examples and informed by current controversies. Highly original and broad in scope, the book will be a landmark in the sociology of money and will help us to rethink how money is organized in society." --Jens Beckert, director of the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies, "As Bitcoin and other digital currencies revolutionize the twenty-first-century financial world, we urgently need a guide for understanding how money works. With brilliant insight and sparkling examples, Nigel Dodd's The Social Life of Money deciphers past, present, and future moneys. Bold and inspiring, the book will instruct social scientists and also captivate general readers." --Viviana A. Zelizer, author of The Social Meaning of Money, [T]his brilliant book helps reconsidering views, opinions and theoretical claims on money that might be taken for granted too easily. It is a must-read for any scholar interested in the topic as it helps to better understand the nature of money--or, of monies. Also, surely many future in-depth case studies of particular forms of money will gain enormously from this work. ---Philipp Degens, LSE Sociology, "As this book copiously shows, money is probably one of the most used concepts in the social sciences and the humanities, not counting economics. . . . A significant accomplishment" --Alex Preda, American Journal of Sociology, "Astonishing in its coverage, this is the most comprehensive book on money that I have encountered. Genuinely interdisciplinary and broadly accessible, it should appeal across the social sciences and humanities. The writing is of a very high standard--clear, always progressive in its movement, and often witty or ironic." --Keith Hart, London School of Economics, "In this book, Nigel Dodd, one of today's major sociologists of money, looks at the large debates and makes imaginative connections among some of the 'big picture' social lives of money. It compares broad worries about the corrosive aspects of money with the possibilities of its enormous productive power. If we ever needed a well-informed and accessible book on money like this one, it is now." --Jocelyn Pixley, Macquarie University, Sydney, "Dodd presents a wide-ranging and sophisticated review and integration of the academic work related to alternative conceptions of modern money. . . . [T]his is a richly rewarding book. Those of us accustomed to thinking of money as something we exchange for beer and pizza will never again have such a simple story." --Pietra Rivoli, Financial Times, "In this brilliant and exuberant book the reader is treated to a veritable feast of theories of money. The author explores not only what economists have said on money but also literary authors, philosophers, and utopians. The result is a fantastic cornucopia of ideas, of a type rarely seen in social science. Read, enjoy, and let your head spin!" --Richard Swedberg, Cornell University, This book is a serious but enjoyable read that is highly recommended for all; for laypeople, students, professional academics, basically anyone who is interested in the role of money in society. This book will undoubtedly lead the reader to reflect on some innovative and alternative ways to think about social reform and how reinventing money could improve our societies. It is a volume of creative experimentation that can be returned to again and again; there is much to digest and ponder here. ---Tamara d'Auvergne, Symbolic Interaction, Dodd presents a wide-ranging and sophisticated review and integration of the academic work related to alternative conceptions of modern money. . . . [T]his is a richly rewarding book. Those of us accustomed to thinking of money as something we exchange for beer and pizza will never again have such a simple story. ---Pietra Rivoli, Financial Times, "Nigel Dodd takes us on a tour de force through the meanings and possibilities of money, compelling us to rethink everything we thought we knew about its origins, current operations, and potential for positive social transformations. The book is clearly written and animated by engaging anecdotes. I was hooked from the first page." --Frederick F. Wherry, Yale University, "An exhaustive analysis of money as a complex social process--not a thing--that will appeal to scholars in many fields." -- Kirkus Reviews, "[T]his brilliant book helps reconsidering views, opinions and theoretical claims on money that might be taken for granted too easily. It is a must-read for any scholar interested in the topic as it helps to better understand the nature of money--or, of monies. Also, surely many future in-depth case studies of particular forms of money will gain enormously from this work." --Philipp Degens, LSE Sociology, "Dodd presents a wide-ranging and sophisticated review and integration of the academic work related to alternative conceptions of modern money. . . . This is a richly rewarding book. Those of us accustomed to thinking of money as something we exchange for beer and pizza will never again have such a simple story." ---Pietra Rivoli, Financial Times, An exhaustive analysis of money as a complex social process--not a thing--that will appeal to scholars in many fields.
