Night Waves - 20/01/2009

Philip Dodd examines the life and work of German sociologist Max Weber, as revealed in a new biography by Joachim Radkua. The iconic early 20th-century sociologist is famous for identifying the now-universally accepted link between Protestantism and the rise of capitalism, and for promoting the notion of 'charisma' as an important political factor. As the book's English translation is published, Radkau talks to Philip about why Weber's life urgently required a new biographical treatment. His book brings out Weber's suffering, his fears and his desires, his methods of work as well as his religious experiences, all of which had a profound impact on his writings.