Publisher's Summary
Bread, cash, dosh, dough, loot. Money matters to us all. But how can we make sense of the complex history that has shaped modern finance? In this groundbreaking work, Niall Ferguson weaves together biography, history, politics, and economics to tell the story of the people and institutions that have shaped the world's economic progress.
From ancient Mesopotamia to modern microfinance, from the Renaissance to the current financial crisis, Ferguson reveals financial history as the essential back story behind all history. Through this lens, he explores how civilizations have risen and fallen, wars have been fought, and nations have emerged as global powers.
A richly original look at the origins of money and how it makes the world go round today, The Ascent of Money explores the evolution of credit and debt, banking, and the stock market, and demonstrates how an understanding of the past can help us better navigate our financial future.
Featured Reviews
"Enlightening Financial History"
Ferguson brilliantly weaves together the complex threads of financial history, making it both accessible and fascinating. Simon Prebble's narration adds gravitas to this important work, making complex financial concepts clear and engaging.
"Essential Economic Understanding"
This audiobook provides crucial context for understanding today's financial world. The historical perspective offers invaluable insights into current economic challenges and opportunities.