This chapter provides an introduction to the book, sketching the fundamental approach to sociological theory and narrative methodology that I deploy. I offer an intuitive summary for the Weberian theory of property that underlies my basic understanding about how intellectual property emerged and how it functions sociologically. I discuss the audience and disciplinary context for the book, and summarize five bodies of scholarly literature that are relevant to the arguments underlying the narrative offered in the book. The chapter concludes with a narrative summary and map, which is offered to help orient the reader.