"Capital and Morality" is a comprehensive biography that illuminates the life and work of Christoph and Margaretha Merian in the context of 19th-century Basel. The author, Robert Labhardt, examines the role of the founding couple as significant landowners and investors who not only contributed to the economic development of the city but also emerged as philanthropists and church founders. This biography offers a deep insight into the social and political structures of the time and shows how the Merians actively participated in shaping their community as citizens of the city and state. With 336 pages, the work provides a well-founded analysis and engaging narratives that appeal to both history enthusiasts and readers interested in the development of Basel and the role of individuals in history.