Men of Capital examines British-ruled Palestine in the 1930s and 1940s through a focus on economy. In a departure from the expected histories of Palestine, this book illuminates dynamic class constructions that aimed to shape a pan-Arab utopia in terms of free trade, profit accumulation, and private property. And in so doing, it positions Palestine and Palestinians in the larger world of Arab thought and social life, moving attention away from the limiting debates of Zionist-Palestinian conflict.

Professor Sheren Seikaly is a historian of capitalism, consumption, and development in the modern Middle East. She is Assistant Professor of History at UC Santa Barbara. She previously taught at the American University in Cairo. She is Co-founder and Co-editor of the important journal Jadaliyaa.

UC Santa Cruz’s Center for Emerging Worlds and the Center for Cultural Studies present this new series, “Book Talks,” which invites authors to read from their books and engage in discussion. Please visit the Center for Emerging Worlds’ website for more information on their work.