Harvard professor Sven Beckert published a sweeping, long-form history of capitalism after eight years of global research, reframing capitalism as an institution that spread through deliberate choices, violence and institutional innovation. Beckert’s work challenges prevailing classroom narratives and will likely influence undergraduate and graduate curricula in history, economics and political economy. The book’s reception among faculty and reviewers suggests departments may reassess syllabi, reading lists and research agendas tied to global economic history.