This is the introductory chapter of the book which determines what features of modern capitalism were present at each time and place, and why the various precursors of capitalism did not survive setbacks and then subsequently continue the growth of both population and per capita incomes from their earlier levels. The scholarly literature refers variously to agrarian capitalism, industrial capitalism, financial capitalism, monopoly capitalism, state capitalism, crony capitalism, and even creative capitalism. Each variant of capitalism has specific emphasis on private property rights; contracts enforceable by third parties; markets with responsive prices; and supportive governments. Beyond the basic elements of economic activity that are physically observable, the history of capitalism must also pay attention to the organizations such as guilds, corporations, governments, and legal systems that operate within and enforce the "rules of the game". A thoroughgoing market system is also necessarily embedded within broader political, cultural, and social systems.