Public Libraries of Suffolk County, New York

The birth of plenty, how the prosperity of the modern world was created, William J. Bernstein

eng

Includes bibliographical references (pages 387-401) and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The birth of plenty

electronic resource eBook

bibliographydictionaries

William J. Bernstein

how the prosperity of the modern world was created

In the breakthrough spirit of Against the Gods, William Bernstein's The Birth of Plenty has the topical uniqueness and storytelling panache to literally create its own category and reader. Based upon the premise that mankind experienced virtually zero economic growth from the dawn of time until 1820, this provocative, bigpicture book identifies the four conditions necessary for sustained economic progress--property rights, scientific rationalism, capital markets, and communications and transportation technology-- and then analyzes their gradual appearance and impact throughout every corner of the globe. Filled with bestselling author William Bernstein's trademark meticulous research and page-turning writing style, The Birth of Plenty explores where the world economy could be headed next, implications of the book's thesis for today's society, and how the absence of one or more of the conditions continues to threaten beleaguered regions. Rare is the book that proposes an entirely new premise, validates that premise with inarguable research and analysis, and then explains beyond question both the relevance and the implications of its premise to the reader and the world at large. The Birth of Plenty is just such a book. From its unique, topical subject matter to its tremendous review potential, this insightful book will be one of the most talked-about volumes of the publishing season

An hypothesis of wealth -- Property -- Reason -- Capital -- Power, speed, and light -- Synthesis of growth -- The winners : Holland and England -- Runners-up -- The last -- God, culture, mammon, and the hydonic treadmill -- The great trade-off -- Mannon and Mars : the winner's curse -- The end of growth? -- When, where, and whither