Books Like...
'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.
If you liked The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #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... 'Talking to My Daughter About the Economy: A Brief History of Capitalism' by Yanis Varoufakis is a unique exploration of economic principles presented in a simplistic and engaging manner. Varoufakis intertwines philosophy, psychology, and modern media to explain complex economic concepts, making it a great beginner's guide to understanding our economy. draws analogies from literature and popular culture to illustrate how markets work, including a chapter on bitcoins, and delves into the roots of economic words, providing a non-technical overview of capitalism, markets, and money.
All babies are born naked, but soon after some are dressed in expensive clothes bought at the best boutiques while the majority wear rags. Once they’ve grown a little older, some get annoyed every tim..."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...'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...'Naked Economics: Undressing the Dismal Science' by Charles Wheelan is a highly accessible introduction to the complex world of economics. Through real-life examples, engaging storytelling, and a touch of humor, Wheelan breaks down fundamental economic concepts in a way that is understandable to readers without an extensive background in economics. serves as a gateway for readers to grasp economic theories, market dynamics, and the broader implications of economic decisions on society.
Wheelan's writing style in 'Naked Economics' is praised for its ability to merge economic theory with narrative storytelling, making the subject matter both simple and interesting. Readers appreciate the book for its clear explanations, engaging anecdotes, and the way it combines humor with educational content. is described as a good starting point for those looking to understand basic economic concepts in a highly accessible manner, without getting bogged down by technical jargon or complex equations.
In 1989, as the Berlin Wall was toppling, Douglas Ivester, head of Coca-Cola Europe (and later CEO), made a snap decision. He sent his sales force to Berlin and told them to start passing out Coke. Fr...'Why Nations Fail: The Origins of Power, Prosperity, and Poverty' by Daron Acemoglu and James A. Robinson takes an interesting look at politics and economics, particularly at wealth distribution. It delves into the role of institutions in growth development and the development and perpetuation of social and economic institutions over time. The authors explore the rise of liberalism through the co-evolution of state and society, providing a comprehensive analysis of why some countries do better than others based on economic and political factors.
THIS BOOK IS about the huge differences in incomes and standards of living that separate the rich countries of the world, such as the United States, Great Britain, and Germany, from the poor, such as ..."The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko is a personal finance book that delves into the habits of millionaires in America. The book emphasizes living within one's means, avoiding debt, and basic investing. It challenges popular culture assumptions about materialism and provides insights into how ordinary millionaires build their wealth over time rather than indulging in a lavish lifestyle. The authors present data about millionaires and offer a realistic perspective on achieving financial success through prudent financial decisions and disciplined living.
The book is praised for its examination of the average millionaire's life in America, focusing on how they save and invest rather than spend frivolously. Readers find the book enlightening in terms of financial literacy, highlighting the importance of monitoring finances and building wealth through sound financial practices. Many recommend the book for its empowering and eye-opening content, suggesting that it can lead to a shift in perspective on wealth and financial decision-making.
A reporter recently asked me about the changes I have noticed among the American millionaire population since the current economic meltdown. She wanted to know if the millionaire market is dead given ...'The Black Swan: The Impact of the Highly Improbable' by Nassim Nicholas Taleb is a thought-provoking and challenging book that delves into the concept of unpredictability and rare events. Taleb challenges traditional economic and statistical models, highlighting the flaws in predicting the future and the impact of outlier events. The writing style is a mix of wit, insight, and arrogance, with the author often showcasing his erudition while criticizing prevailing beliefs and methodologies.
This is not an autobiography, so I will skip the scenes of war. Actually, even if it were an autobiography, I would still skip the scenes of war. I cannot compete with action movies or memoirs of adve...'Capital in the Twenty-First Century' by Thomas Piketty delves into the concept that wealth capital, rather than income, drives growing inequality, leading to an oligarchic society where the wealthy dictate terms to the less fortunate. Piketty provides a wealth of data on income and wealth disparities, mainly in Western countries, demonstrating a trend of increasing inequality over the years with dire social and political consequences. Through historical perspectives on inflation, capital accumulation, and taxation, Piketty argues for structural changes like a progressive capital tax to combat the rising wealth concentration among the privileged few.
On August 16, 2012, the South African police intervened in a labor conflict between workers at the Marikana platinum mine near Johannesburg and the mine’s owners: the stockholders of Lonmin, Inc., bas...- #10
Save:'The Undercover Economist' by Tim Harford is a book that explains basic economic principles in a clear and simple language, making it accessible to readers with no prior economic knowledge. The book uses everyday examples such as the cost of coffee and immigration to illustrate key economic concepts like scarcity, price targeting, and externalities. Harford's writing style is engaging and informative, providing insights into how economic systems work and how they impact daily life.
