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.
