The End of Capitalism

‘A provocative argument for ending capitalism before capitalism ends us.’

– Jeff Sparrow, author of Crimes Against Nature

‘The End of Capitalism abounds with examples of green technology as a false dawn … Throughout, Herrmann’s tone is measured and matter-of-fact, and David Shaw’s fine translation maintains the integrity of her ideas as well as the clarity of their expression.’

– Ben Brooker * Overland *

‘Herrmann argues that there is no choice other than radical and seemingly unimaginable change if we are to survive in anything like a civilised condition … she does provide a clear explanation of the rise of capitalism and the social and technological forces that have made it the most transformative force in human history … There is no doubt that unmitigated climate change and environmental degradation will transform our lives and the political systems that circumscribe them.’

– Mark Besson * The Conversation *

‘German journalist Ulrike Herrmann provides a definitive account of the unsustainability of capitalism in our emerging climate crisis … Combining historical, cultural, scientific and economic analysis with a hopeful yet realistic model, Herrmann paves our way out of the climate crisis, and into a new beginning.’

– Teddy Peak * Readings *

‘She addresses what she believes to be the incompatible nature of market-based economies reliant on growth and the survival of humanity … Ms Herrman said technological advancements to abate the worst excesses of capitalism, such as climate change, will not be enough to prevent complete environmental destruction … Readers accustomed to creature comforts may find her ideas confronting, but this is an excellent book on our future.’

* Red Tape *

‘Ulrike Herrmann writes straightforwardly and with a great deal of expertise. This makes it clear once again how great a challenge climate change poses for us.’

– Claas Christophersen * NDR Kultur *

‘Herrmann’s book is worth reading and sets a counterpoint to all those who may overestimate the technological possibilities of climate protection.’

– Katja Scherer * Deutschlandfunk *

‘This clever book … by Ulrike Herrmann says that we should slowly forget about eternal growth and prepare ourselves for gradual renunciation.’

* rbb Inforadio *

Ulrike Herrmann was born in Hamburg in 1964. She trained as a banker and later as a journalist, and majored in philosophy and history. Since 2000 she has been an economics editor at the left-alternative national daily Die Tageszeitung, in Berlin. A member of the Greens, she appears regularly on German TV and radio, and often gives talks on economic topics at companies, foundations, institutes, and universities. She has previously published four books, which all became bestsellers in Germany.

David Shaw works as a journalist for Germany’s international broadcaster, Deutsche Welle, as well as translating from several languages, including German, Dutch, Russian, and French. He lives in Berlin.