The Insatiable Empire

An astonishingly ambitious, humanist history of capitalism from "our next great American historian" (Geraldine Brooks).

Capitalism is as integral to modern life as the air we breathe. It has been debated, discussed, and defined ad infinitum by economists, historians, theorists, and politicians. And yet what none of these arguments get at is that the totalizing force of this system makes it irreducible to mere science. Rather, it is the codification of the worst of our human impulses – and its seeds were planted long before the 16th century.

The Insatiable Empire tells the story of our modern world through the brutal extraction of five resources – iron, salt, sugar, fish, and the self. From the enclosures of English fields to the sugar plantations of the Caribbean, from Russian iron foundries to the cobalt mines and factory floors of today, Paz traces the global economic machinery that manufactures starvation and markets it as freedom. Drawing on history, economics, and moral philosophy, it shows how chains became contracts and hunger replaced the whip; how every modern convenience carries the residue of exploitation; and asks what it means to live, work, and hope inside the world that such a system built.

Refusing nostalgia, redemption, outrage, or absolution, The Insatiable Empire confronts the reader with an unsettling truth: the modern world is not built beside suffering but through it, and even our greatest desire -- to be innocent -- is itself one more product of its design. This historically grounded, humanist history of consumption is a must read for anyone who wants to understand the world we live in.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs