Max Weber's Economy and Society is not a book in parts but a project in versions. One
version was conceived and written down before World War I one after the war. This post-war
version partly based on the pre-war version contains four chapters. The revised text is
presented here with an afterword and editorial information. Especially Chapter II entitled
"Fundamental Categories of Economic Action" in the secondary literature very often foregone
poses a puzzle. It is not only the longest chapter but also the chapter for which a pre-war
manuscript most likely did not exist. This puzzle amongst others is addressed. Due to Weber's
premature death the post-war version remained unfinished. No plan for the rest was handed down
to us. The edition allows a new look at one of the most influential sociological texts written
throughout the 20th century.
