David Graeber's Debt has received praise for its comprehensive and provocative examination of the history and social ramifications of debt. Critics appreciate its interdisciplinary approach and thought-provoking insights. However, some find the narrative dense and occasionally disorganized. Overall, it is a valuable read for those interested in economics, anthropology, and social theory.

Ideal for readers interested in economics, anthropology, and history, Debt by David Graeber appeals to those who enjoyed Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty or Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond. Insightful and thought-provoking, it invites critical thinking about societal structures and financial systems.

Debt: The First 5,000 Years by David Graeber examines the history and conceptualization of debt over millennia, challenging traditional economic narratives by using anthropology, archaeology, and historical analysis. Graeber explores the origins of money, the relationships between debt and morality, and the impact of violence on economic systems, ultimately critiquing modern capitalism’s exclusivity and instability. This book discusses slavery and other forms of violence.

Informative / Challenging / Contemplative / Mysterious

David Graeber

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Debt reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Debt | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Debt and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Debt Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-4

Debt Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-7

Debt Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-10

Debt Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-12

Debt Chapters 11-12 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Debt Key Figures

theme

Themes

Debt Themes

Index of Terms

Debt Index of Terms

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Debt Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Debt Essay Topics

Debt: The First 5,000 Years

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Debt?

Reading Age

Book Details