Books matching: economic crises
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'The Age of Extremes: A History of the World 1914-1991' by Eric Hobsbawm is a masterful account of the short twentieth century, covering the world wars, the cold war, and the fall of the Soviet Union. Hobsbawm's writing style is fast-paced and engaging, analyzing political movements, economic successes, and disasters across the globe. is praised for providing new insights even to those familiar with history, with a focus on the economic collapse in the thirties, the rise of fascism, and parallels to contemporary issues like recession, demagoguery, and religious fundamentalism.
Lines of grey muttering faces, masked with fear, They leave their trenches, going over the top, While time ticks blank and busy on their wrists, And hope, with furtive eyes and grappling fists, Flound...'The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World' by Niall Ferguson is a detailed exploration of the history of finance, covering various financial events and crises throughout Western history. The book delves into the origins of financial institutions, the development of bonds, stocks, insurance, and modern investment methods, providing a valuable perspective on historical events. Ferguson's writing style aims to make complex financial concepts understandable for the general reader, although some readers found the book to be more focused on banking, events, and money transactions in the 1900s and early 2000s, particularly in the USA.
Ferguson's narrative weaves together the evolution of money and financial instruments from ancient times to the present day, highlighting the interconnectedness between financial decisions and major world events. The book touches on topics such as the role of imperialism in foreign investment, the benefits of well-operating financial markets, and the repetitive nature of financial mistakes throughout history. While some readers appreciated the historical insights and educational value of the book, others found it to be too focused on recent financial events and lacking a central thesis or comprehensive analysis.
Imagine a world with no money. For over a hundred years, Communists and anarchists - not to mention some extreme reactionaries, religious fundamentalists and hippies - have dreamt of just that. Accord...- #3
"The Majesties" by Tiffany Tsao is a dark tale of a wealthy Chinese Indonesian family told through the lens of two sisters, Estella and Gwendolyn. The story revolves around a mass murder committed by Estella, leaving only Gwendolyn alive. Gwendolyn narrates the family's history, starting from their childhood days to the violent events during the 1997 Asian Economic Crisis. offers a detailed exploration of the family dynamics, wealth, and corruption, set against the backdrop of Indonesia's socio-political landscape.
The writing style of "The Majesties" is described as dark, slow, and expertly crafted by Tiffany Tsao. The author skillfully balances three different timelines, providing a jaunty descent into madness reminiscent of "We Have Always Lived in the Castle". The narrative unfolds smoothly, immersing the reader into the opulent world of the Chinese Indonesian family, while exploring themes of betrayal, redemption, and the impact of extreme wealth on individuals.
WHEN YOUR SISTER murders three hundred people, you can’t help but wonder why—especially if you were one of the intended victims—though I do forgive her, if you can believe it. I tried my best to deny ... - #4
'Golden Age' in the series 'Last Hundred Years: A Family Saga' by Jane Smiley is a gripping family saga spanning multiple generations of the Langdon family, delving into their joys, sorrows, successes, and failures. The book intricately weaves together the lives of various characters, portraying their evolving relationships and individual journeys against the backdrop of significant historical events. The narrative follows the Langdon family as they navigate through personal challenges, political upheavals, and environmental crises, offering a rich tapestry of human experiences and emotions.
The writing style of 'Golden Age' is characterized by its meticulous attention to detail and the depth of understanding it provides into the complexities of rural life and family dynamics. Jane Smiley masterfully crafts a narrative that spans from 1987 to 2019, exploring themes of love, loss, resilience, and the impact of societal changes on individuals. The book offers a thought-provoking reflection on the interconnectedness of family ties, the passage of time, and the enduring legacy of the Langdon family across generations.
IT WAS FRIDAY. Everyone was somewhere else, doing last-minute chores. The tall young man got out of his little green station wagon, stretched, looked around, took off his sunglasses, and started up th...
(Also, see 13 recommendations for the series Last Hundred Years: A Family Saga ) - #5
Weimar Germany: Promise and Tragedy by Eric D. Weitz is a comprehensive exploration of the political, social, and cultural landscape of the Weimar Republic following World War I. The book delves into the complexities of Weimar Germany, ranging from the turbulent economy, societal shifts in physical fitness and sexuality, to the emergence of new political ideologies such as nationalism and socialism. Weitz skillfully navigates through various aspects of Weimar Germany, including its architecture, art, philosophy, and mass society, providing a detailed account of the promise and tragedy that characterized the era.
The narrative style of the book, as described by readers, is engaging and informative, offering a wide-ranging perspective on the Weimar period. Weitz's analysis not only sheds light on the historical events and political developments but also delves into the cultural nuances of the time, from the Avant Garde nature of arts and architecture to the rise of modernism and technological advancements. Through vivid descriptions and insightful commentary, the book paints a vivid picture of Weimar Germany, capturing the essence of a society grappling with post-war challenges and societal transformations.
A defeated army on its return home is never a pretty sight. The bandaged wounds, the missing limbs, the hobbled walk on crutches seem even more ghastly shadowed by the sullen mood of the bedraggled so... - #6
'To Hell and Back: Europe, 1914-1949' by Ian Kershaw is an extraordinary history of the boiling struggles in Europe during the first half of the twentieth century, focusing on the two brutal wars that brought death and destruction to wide swaths of Europe. Kershaw paints a narrative chapter by chapter, advancing a few years at a time, while sketching out the political developments, views of the elite and ordinary people, economic and cultural changes. The book provides a comprehensive overview of the period, covering major European nation states and picking out common themes and contrasts among different countries.
This is the first of two volumes on the history of Europe from 1914 to our own times. It is by some distance the hardest book I have undertaken. Each book I have written has in some sense been an atte... The Big Short by Michael Lewis delves into the intricate world of finance leading up to the 2008 financial crisis. Through compelling storytelling and rich character development, Lewis uncovers the individuals who foresaw the collapse of the subprime mortgage market and bet against the system. The book offers a detailed account of the events that unfolded, shedding light on the complexities of financial instruments like credit default swaps and collateralized debt obligations, all while maintaining a gripping narrative akin to a detective novel.
Eisman entered finance about the time I exited it. He’d grown up in New York City, gone to yeshiva schools, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania magna cum laude, and then with honors from Har...- #8
'This Time Is Different: Eight Centuries of Financial Folly' by Carmen M. Reinhart and Kenneth Rogoff is a rigorous and exhaustive look at the history of financial crises throughout world history. It connects external sovereign debt to internal debt, emphasizing the impact of internal debt in debt crises. The authors argue that the run-up in sovereign debt during financial crises is mainly due to decreased tax receipts rather than bailouts. provides a detailed analysis of financial crises, highlighting the risks associated with debt accumulation and the common trigger events leading to historical meltdowns. It warns against the mistaken economic policies of the past and emphasizes the recurring nature of financial crises despite claims of uniqueness each time.
Because this book is grounded in a quantitative and historical analysis of crises, it is important to begin by defining exactly what constitutes a financial crisis, as well as the methods—quantitative... Naomi Klein's 'The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism' is a compelling and eye-opening exploration of how global economics and geopolitics intersect to create environments of exploitation, ruthlessness, and cruelty. Klein argues that disasters, whether natural, political, or economic, are seized upon by global corporations to further their agenda, leading to the privatization of public services and the perpetuation of wealth inequality. Through a series of well-researched examples, Klein reveals the insidious nature of disaster capitalism and its impact on societies around the world. The book is a thought-provoking examination of the modern capitalist state and the influence of multinational corporations on government functions.
Klein's writing style is described as daring, passionate, and journalistic. She presents a collection of facts in a compelling and informative manner, drawing readers in with her thought-provoking analysis of historical events and economic ideologies. The book challenges readers to rethink their understanding of global capitalism and the forces at play in shaping modern society, offering a critical perspective on the intersection of politics, economics, and power dynamics.
I went to the slaughterhouse to observe this so-called "electric slaughtering," and I saw that the hogs were clamped at the temples with big metallic tongs which were hooked up to an electric current ...- #10
"The Great Crash 1929" by John Kenneth Galbraith delves into the catastrophic events surrounding the stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression. Through a detailed narrative, the author explores the causes, consequences, and intricacies of the financial collapse, drawing eerie parallels to modern-day economic crises. Galbraith's writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a comprehensive analysis of the events leading up to the crash and the aftermath that followed. Readers are taken on a historical journey that sheds light on the complexities of financial markets and the societal impact of economic downturns.
ON DECEMBER 4, 1928, President Coolidge sent his last message on the state of the Union to the reconvening Congress. Even the most melancholy congressman must have found reassurance in his words. "No ...