Books matching: economic history
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Debt: The First 5,000 Years' by David Graeber is a wide-ranging exploration of the historical, anthropological, moral, and economic aspects of human society and its relationship with debt, money, and economics. The book challenges popular myths about markets, debt, and politics while delving into the interplay between debt and society throughout history. Graeber's writing style is described as dense and thought-provoking, providing deep insights into the meaning of debt, its history, and its implications for the future. The author takes an anthropological approach to studying debt, offering a unique perspective on how human relationships, trust, and morality are intertwined with economic systems.
TWO YEARS AGO, by a series of strange coincidences, I found myself attending a garden party at Westminster Abbey. I was a bit uncomfortable. It’s not that other guests weren’t pleasant and amicable, a... 'Americana: A 400-Year History of American Capitalism' by Bhu Srinivasan is a comprehensive exploration of the economic history of the United States, covering various industries and pivotal moments from the colonial era to modern times. The author's writing style is engaging and informative, presenting historical facts in a new light and weaving together stories of entrepreneurs, industries, and economic developments that shaped America's capitalist landscape.
Lost in the American mythology of the Mayflower is a central question: How did a group of disenfranchised religious separatists finance a large ship, pay an experienced crew, and provision for a year’...'The Divide: A Brief Guide to Global Inequality and its Solutions' by Jason Hickel delves into the topic of global inequality, shedding light on the stark disparities between the developed and developing world. Through a combination of economic analysis and historical context, the author challenges the conventional approach to development and offers viable solutions to address the pressing issues faced by society. The writing style is described as thought-provoking, eye-opening, and compelling, with the author skillfully weaving together narratives of past injustices and present realities to paint a comprehensive picture of the world's socio-economic landscape.
It began as a public-relations gimmick. Harry Truman had just been elected to a second term as president of the United States and was set to take the stage for his inaugural address on 20 January 1949...'A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World' by William J. Bernstein is a comprehensive exploration of the history of global trade, spanning thousands of years. The book delves into various aspects of trade, from early trading in the Middle East and China to the impact of trade on nations and cultures. Bernstein's writing style is engaging, providing readers with a fascinating overview of the lengths people have gone to engage in trade and the significance of trade in shaping world history.
The messages we receive from [the] remote past were neither intended for us, nor chosen by us, but are the casual relics of climate, geography, and human activity. They, too, remind us of the whimsica...- #5
Save:'An Extraordinary Time: The End of the Postwar Boom and the Return of the Ordinary Economy' by Marc Levinson delves into the economic history of the world post-1970s, exploring the structural issues that have shaped the global economy. Levinson meticulously covers the political landscape, the impact of various policies, and the underlying reasons for the economic challenges faced by different generations, providing a detailed account of the transition from the postwar economic boom to the current ordinary economy. Through a chronological collection of journalistic commentary, the book examines events leading up to the economic slowdown after the Oil Crisis of 1973 and the subsequent struggles faced by advanced countries in maintaining economic growth and narrowing income gaps.
Only a real optimist would have thought that Arlington, Texas, had particular promise. Straddling the Texas & Pacific Railroad line between Dallas and Fort Worth, on the plains above the winding Trini... - #6
Save:"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 ... - #7
Save:'Tulipomania: The Story of the World's Most Coveted Flower & the Extraordinary Passions It Aroused' by Mike Dash is a historical account of the tulip mania that swept through Holland in the 17th century. The book delves into the origins of the tulip, its journey from Asia to Europe, and how it became a symbol of wealth and status. Dash explores the economic bubble that formed around tulip trading, detailing the frenzy, greed, and eventual crash that ensued. The writing style combines historical context with storytelling, offering insights into the cultural significance of tulips in both European and Middle Eastern history.
They came from all over Holland, dressed like crows in black from head to foot and journeying along frozen tracks rendered treacherous by the scars of a thousand hooves and narrow wheels. They had clo... Philip Dray's book 'There Is Power in a Union: The Epic Story of Labor in America' delves into the history of the American labor movement, highlighting the struggles and sacrifices made by workers to combat the greed and corruption of big businesses. The narrative is filled with vivid retellings of key events such as the Lowell factories, the Haymarket Massacre, the Pullman Strikes, and the Triangle Shirtwaist Company fire, as well as important figures like Eugene V. Debs, Mother Jones, and Jimmy Hoffa. Dray's writing style paints a compelling picture of the violent past of the labor movement, showcasing the personal courage, sacrifice, and farcical trials that have shaped the fight for workers' rights in America.
The book also sheds light on the connections between labor movements, social justice, and civil rights, emphasizing the importance of unions in advocating for better working conditions and benefits for workers. Through detailed research and exhaustive writing on topics like the battle of Blair Mountain and the federal government's offensives against labor racketeering, Dray presents a comprehensive overview of the struggles faced by American workers from the nineteenth century onwards, making it a must-read for those interested in understanding the historical significance of labor in America.
IT SEEMS FITTING THAT ONE OF THE FIRST renowned activists in the titanic struggle between labor and capital on this continent, Sarah G. Bagley, was an unassuming young woman off the farm, initially no...- #9
Save:'The Worldly Philosophers' by Robert L. Heilbroner is a fascinating introduction to the history of economic thought, covering key economic thinkers such as Adam Smith, Karl Marx, John Maynard Keynes, and Joseph Schumpeter. It provides a rich set of models for thinking about how society produces and distributes wealth, while also delving into the personal lives and eccentric views of these great economic minds. is engagingly written, covers economic theories without skimping on quirky biographical details, and places these ideas within a larger historical context. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of economics with social concerns, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in economics.
Since he came down from the trees, man has faced the problem of survival, not as an individual but as a member of a social group. His continued existence is testimony to the fact that he has succeeded... "Basic Economics: A Citizen's Guide to the Economy" by Thomas Sowell is a dense book that serves as an excellent primer for understanding economic principles. The author presents the fundamentals of economics in a clear and concise manner, making it accessible even for readers with no prior background in the subject. Sowell uses real-life examples to illustrate economic concepts, aiming to educate the general public on how economic systems work, including capitalism, socialism, and communism. Despite the lack of charts and graphs, readers find the book insightful and eye-opening, with many appreciating Sowell's ability to explain complex topics in a simple and engaging way.
The book delves into various economic topics, such as the functioning of free markets, the impact of different economic systems on society, and the role of government in the economy. Sowell's writing style is described as pithy, smart, and unbiased, providing a comprehensive overview of modern economics for the layperson. Readers commend the book for its ability to challenge preconceived notions and offer a different perspective on economic issues, making it a valuable read for anyone seeking to expand their understanding of how the economy operates.
Whether one is a conservative or a radical, a protectionist or a free trader, a cosmopolitan or a nationalist, a churchman or a heathen, it is useful to know the causes and consequences of economic ph...
