Arrighi is a student of the French historian Fernand Braudel, and the book has the range and ambition of Braudel's work. (Financial Times )

Adam Smith in Beijing follows, and completes, his previous volume The Long Twentieth Century. Together they constitute a stunning work of world history with theoretical and political intent whose intellectual roots lie in a mix of radical historiographical traditions. (Radical Philosophy )

This book is an impressive result; it will have a major impact ... Arrighi argues his case in great detail – using an elaborate exegesis of The Wealth of Nations, which will send many readers back to that text in amazement. (Economic and Political Weekly )