Books matching: economic changes
100 result(s)
- #1
'The Rise & Fall of the Great Powers' by Paul Kennedy is a historical analysis of the economic strategic underpinnings of world powers from 1500 to 2000. It delves into the factors responsible for the rise and decline of nations, focusing on economics, military conflicts, and power struggles. The author presents a well-researched narrative, incorporating maps, statistics, and detailed descriptions of nations' empires throughout different periods. Despite being West-centric, the book offers valuable insights into the interplay of economics, geography, politics, and other factors that have shaped the modern geopolitical world.
In the year 1500, the date chosen by numerous scholars to mark the divide between modern and premodern times, it was by no means obvious to the inhabitants of Europe that their continent was poised to... - #2
'Israel: A History' by Anita Shapira is a well-researched and balanced account of the history of Israel, focusing on the last 100 years. The book provides insights into the challenges faced by the Jewish population moving to Mandate Palestine, the socio-economic changes, national zeitgeist, and the philosophical maturation of the state. It offers a thorough examination of the Israeli Revolution, detailing the struggles and achievements that have shaped modern-day Israel.
The phenomenon that had the most profound long-term ramifications for shaping the image of Israel was the immigration that occurred in waves during the state’s first two decades. Particularly signific... Set in an English village known only as The Village, 'Harvest' by Jim Crace follows the aftermath of a unique harvest and the arrival of three new settlers, leading to chaos and confusion that alters the village forever. Through Walter Thirsk's narration, the story unfolds gradually, exploring themes of abuse of power, class dynamics, and the disastrous consequences of change. The book is rich in allegorical elements, with layers that delve into the emotions, behaviors, and interactions of the villagers in a small, isolated community.
But it is the second twist of gray that calls us close, that has us rushing early from our homes on this rest day toward Master Kent’s house. From a distance this smoke is pale. No one has added green...- #4
'Future Shock' by Alvin Toffler explores the concept that the accelerating rate of social change is outpacing man's ability to cope, urging readers to adapt or face dire consequences. Toffler's writing is well-researched and fast-paced, making the book an essential read for those fascinated by culture and the rapid compression of modern life. The book delves into various aspects such as sociology, anthropology, technology, psychology, economics, education, and politics, providing a comprehensive understanding of the challenges posed by the ever-evolving world.
In the three short decades between now and the twenty-first century, millions of ordinary, psychologically normal people will face an abrupt collision with the future. Citizens of the world's richest ... Eric Foner's "Reconstruction: America's Unfinished Revolution 1863-1877" is a comprehensive examination of the Reconstruction era following the Civil War. The book delves into the political, social, and economic complexities of the time period, highlighting the struggles faced by freed slaves, the violence against black Americans, and the failure of Reconstruction to bring about lasting change. Foner's writing style is detailed and thorough, drawing on extensive research to provide a nuanced understanding of the historical events and their impact on American society.
ON January 1, 1863, after a winter storm swept up the east coast of the United States, the sun rose in a cloudless sky over Washington, D.C. At the White House, Abraham Lincoln spent most of the day w...- #6
"The Bully Pulpit" by Doris Kearns Goodwin delves into the fascinating period of American history involving Theodore Roosevelt, William Howard Taft, and the Golden Age of Journalism. Goodwin explores the complex relationship between Roosevelt and Taft, highlighting how they used the press to their advantage, the rise of investigative journalism, and the changing political landscape in America during the early 20th century. Through detailed narratives and character portrayals, the book captures the political ambitions, personal relationships, and reform agendas of these historical figures, shedding light on a pivotal era in American politics.
ROOSEVELT IS COMING HOME, HOORAY! Exultant headlines in mid-June 1910 trumpeted the daily progress of the Kaiserin , the luxury liner returning the former president, Theodore Roosevelt, to American sh... - #7
"Yellow Bird: Oil, Murder, and a Woman's Search for Justice in Indian Country" is a narrative that intertwines the investigation of a white oil worker's disappearance with the life of Lissa Yellow Bird, a member of the Arikara nation. The book arises from journalist Sierra Crane Murdoch's initial intent to write a magazine story but evolves into an exploration of Lissa's obsession with solving the mystery surrounding the murder of KC Clarke. Alongside the crime narrative, the book delves into tribal history, the impacts of the Bakken oil boom on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, and the personal struggles faced by Lissa as she grapples with her past and the systemic injustices faced by indigenous people. The writing presents a complex portrait of Lissa, her family, and the wider community, often reflecting on the challenges of navigating both indigenous and non-indigenous worlds.
The book’s writing style has been described as meticulous yet occasionally wandering, with some readers noting that it could benefit from tighter editing. While it contains rich background information and personal stories, the narrative sometimes strays from the main thread, leading to a lack of focus and coherence at times. Despite its length and complexity, the author’s voice captures the emotional depth of the characters and the gravity of the issues at hand, providing an evocative and humanized lens into the injustices faced by indigenous communities.
LISSA YELLOW BIRD CANNOT EXPLAIN why she went looking for Kristopher Clarke. The first time I asked her the question, she paused as if I had caught her by surprise, and then she said, “I guess I never... - #8
"Rabbit Is Rich" by John Updike follows the life of Harry Angstrom, known as Rabbit, in the late 70s and early 80s. Rabbit is now a prosperous owner of a Toyota dealership, navigating the world of upper-class America while dealing with his dysfunctional relationship with his family. The novel delves deep into Rabbit's inner narrative, articulating his emotions and flaws expertly for the reader's delight.
The story captures the domestic angst of Rabbit as he reconciles with his wife, manages the car dealership inherited from his father-in-law, and deals with the challenges of raising a wayward son. Updike's writing style is praised for its meticulous observations, realistic dialogues, and stream of consciousness narrative that portrays the complexities of Rabbit's life and the world around him during a time of rampant inflation and societal malaise.
"At night he lights up a good cigar, and climbs into the little old 'bus, and maybe cusses the carburetor, and shoots out home. He mows the lawn, or sneaks in some practice putting, and then he's read...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Rabbit Angstrom ) - #9
'Sweet Thursday' is a sequel to 'Cannery Row' by John Steinbeck, set in the same locale with the same cast of characters. The book follows Doc's return from World War II, where he is portrayed as a changed and melancholy man. The plot revolves around his friends at the Palace Flophouse and the Bear Flag attempting to come to his rescue with humorous and poignant results. The story is a mixture of humor, philosophy, and warmth, with a focus on character development and relationships in the post-war setting of Cannery Row.
The canneries themselves fought the war by getting the limit taken off fish and catching them all. It was done for patriotic reasons, but that didn’t bring the fish back. As with the oysters in Alice,...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Cannery Row ) - #10
'Where I Was From' by Joan Didion delves into the complexities of California's history and culture through a mix of memoir, history, and essay. Didion reflects on her family's migration to California, separating fact from fiction in the stories told about her family and the state. She explores themes of the California dream versus its reality, the impact of pioneers and westward movement on shaping the state, and the relationship between Californians' values and the state's dependence on the federal government for its economic well-being. Didion's writing style is described as beautiful, insightful, and clear, providing a deep analysis of California's past and present.
MY great-great-great-great-great-grandmother Elizabeth Scott was born in 1766, grew up on the Virginia and Carolina frontiers, at age sixteen married an eighteen-year-old veteran of the Revolution and...