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Eric Hobsbawm looks at an age where governments began to evolve, embracing private enterprise and capitalist ideals in The Age of Capital (1848-1875). Summary of the Book In this book, Hobsbawm continues his theory of evolution of modern civilization from the dual revolution thesis. He outlines the rise of private enterprise, focusing on the importance of the French Revolution and the Industrial Revolution. He also discusses how governments changed their ideals from dynasty-based rule to private enterprises and industrial prowess. This, he explains, eventually leads to the rise of capitalism and its philosophies. About Eric Hobsbawm Eric John Ernest Hobsbawm was a British Marxist historian known for his works on the rise of industrial capitalism, socialism, and nationalism. Dr. Hobsbawm studied at the University of Cambridge, obtaining his Ph.D. in history. He was awarded the Balzan Prize for his works on history. He has also written The Invention of Tradition, How to Change the World: Tales of Marx and Marxism and Fractured Times: Culture and Society in the 20th Century. This book is the second part in The Four Ages of Hobsbawm, and it is preceded by The Age of Revolution (1789-1848) The series continues in The Age of Empire (1875-1914) and The Age of Extremes (1914-1991).