For Profit cover art

For Profit

A History of Corporations

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For Profit

By: William Magnuson
Narrated by: Dan Woren
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About this listen

A FINANCIAL TIMES BEST ECONOMICS BOOK OF THE YEAR

A THE ECONOMIST BOOK OF THE YEAR

We have long been suspicious of corporations recklessly pursuing profit and amassing wealth and power.

But the story of the corporation didn't have to be like this. For most of history, they were not amoral entities, but public institutions designed to promote the societies that granted them charter. Magnuson reveals how the corporation has evolved since its beginnings in the ancient world. What happens in this next chapter of the global economy depends on whether we can return to their public-minded spirit, or whether we have sunk irrevocably into the swamp of high profit at all costs.

Epic and compelling in scope, For Profit illuminates the roles corporations played, for good and evil, in the making of the modern world.

©2022 William Magnuson (P)2022 Hodder & Stoughton Limited Economic History Economics Capitalism Business Imperialism Socialism Taxation Montana Banking Ancient History

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Critic reviews

Brilliantly conceived and enlightening at every turn, For Profit is a thrilling history of an institution that has shaped all our lives - for better and for worse (Lawrence Wright, author of 'The Plague Year')
In this lively and informativehistory of the corporation, William Magnuson shows that corporations were born to serve the public interest-only to be used and abused time and again to maximize profits for shareholders and executives. A must-read for any student of the world's most influential form of economic organization (Adam Winkler, author of 'We the Corporations')
A magnificent history of corporations . . . Private enterprises have produced some of humankind's greatest achievements. But often the most dazzling overstep the mark, leaving a trail of debris and distrust behind them (The Economist)
All stars
Most relevant  
Great book, giving a breakdown of key advancements in the structure and operation of companies throughout history and their impact on society. Uses the format of mini case studies.

Well laid out and thoroughly researched. And the narration is great and easy to listen to.

Excellent history

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In an age of hot takes, this book stands out as a nuanced and thorough review of the role of corporations

Lucid and comprehensive

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A fascinating and insightful look at how corporations have developed over time and shaped societies as a result. Highly recommended!

Fantastic

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Really well written and narrated book that provides an excellent overview of the key moments in business/corporate history. I’ve read about the East India Company, Facebook and Amazon in separate books, but yet gained fresh incite from this into their operations (along with many other important organisations).
The key benefit is seeing business in the context of time - seeing how over hundreds of years the corporate world has evolved, and helps to frame where things could be moving in the future.

Informative and engaging

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