The Ascent of Money
In 'The Ascent of Money,' Niall Ferguson traces the history of finance from ancient times to the modern era, revealing how money has shaped civilizations. Through captivating anecdotes and insightful analysis, he explores the rise of banking, credit, and investment, shedding light on their profound impacts on society. Each chapter unveils the intertwining of economics with history, politics, and global events, compelling readers to rethink the role of finance in shaping our world. Ferguson daringly argues that understanding finance is crucial to comprehending our past and navigating our future. This compelling narrative promises to be a thought-provoking journey into the unseen forces of wealth and power.
By Niall Ferguson
Published: 2009
""The history of money is the history of civilization itself; without finance, there can be no progress, and understanding its evolution is key to grasping our past and shaping our future.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
Chronicles the evolution of finance from its origins in Mesopotamia to the modern world's most recent upheavals, covering such topics as the stock market bubble that prompted the French Revolution and the theories behind common investment vehicles.
About the Author
Niall Ferguson
Niall Ferguson is a prominent historian, author, and broadcaster known for his work examining the interplay of economics, history, and politics. Born in 1964 in Glasgow, Scotland, he has served as a professor at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and the University of Oxford. Ferguson's notable works include 'The Ascent of Money', 'Empire: The Rise and Demise of the British World Order', and 'The Square and the Tower', where he analyzes complex historical narratives with a keen insight into economic forces shaping societies. His writing style is characterized by rigorous scholarship combined with a compelling narrative, making complex historical themes accessible to a wide audience. Ferguson frequently explores themes of imperialism, finance, and the impact of technology on historical events.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Niall Ferguson
- Published
- January 2009
- Publisher
- Penguin Group USA
- ISBN
- 0143116177
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 442
- Genres
- Global EconomicsFinanceHistoryEconomic PolicyPolitical History
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
Conspiracy
Ryan Holiday
A Brief History of Time
Stephen Hawking
Fiasco
Frank Partnoy
Mastery
George Leonard
In Retrospect
Robert S. McNamara
The History of the Future
Blake J. Harris
The City in History
Lewis Mumford
The History of the Decline & Fall of the Roman Empire
Edward Gibbon
Showing 8 of 26 similar books
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Neil deGrasse Tyson's Book Recommendations
Neil deGrasse Tyson is a renowned astrophysicist, author, and science communicator, best known for his work in popularizing science through various media. As the director of the Hayden Planetarium in New York City, he has played a pivotal role in bringing astronomical discoveries to the public. Tyson has authored several bestselling books, including "Astrophysics for People in a Hurry" and "The Pluto Files," which have made complex scientific concepts accessible to a broad audience. He is also the host of the popular science TV show "Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey," a continuation of Carl Sagan's groundbreaking series. Tyson's contributions have significantly enhanced public understanding and appreciation of the universe.
View Collection
David Heinemeier Hansson's Book Recommendations
David Heinemeier Hansson, also known as DHH, is a Danish programmer, entrepreneur, and author, best known as the creator of Ruby on Rails, a popular web application framework. Heinemeier Hansson is also a partner at Basecamp, a project management and collaboration software company he co-founded. His contributions to software development have earned him widespread recognition, with Ruby on Rails being used by thousands of developers and companies worldwide. Heinemeier Hansson is also a vocal advocate for remote work, simplicity in business, and sustainable work practices, ideas he explores in his bestselling books Rework and It Doesn’t Have to Be Crazy at Work. In addition to his work in tech, he is an accomplished race car driver, having competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Heinemeier Hansson’s approach to work-life balance and entrepreneurship has made him a thought leader in the tech community, where he continues to challenge traditional business practices and advocate for more human-centered approaches to work
View Collection
Alexis Ohanian's Book Recommendations
Alexis Ohanian is an American entrepreneur, investor, and co-founder of Reddit, one of the world’s most popular social news and discussion platforms. Ohanian is also a prominent advocate for open internet and net neutrality, and he has invested in numerous startups through his venture capital firm, Initialized Capital. In addition to his work in tech, Ohanian is involved in philanthropy, supporting causes related to women’s rights, education, and social justice. He is married to tennis star Serena Williams, and together they advocate for gender equality and inclusive leadership. Ohanian’s influence in the tech world and his commitment to social impact have made him a respected figure in both business and activism.
View Collection
Marc Andreessen's Book Recommendations
Marc Andreessen is an American entrepreneur, software engineer, and venture capitalist, best known for co-creating the Mosaic web browser, the first widely-used web browser, and co-founding Netscape. Andreessen is also the co-founder of Andreessen Horowitz, one of Silicon Valley’s most prominent venture capital firms, where he invests in groundbreaking technology companies like Facebook, Airbnb, and Coinbase. He is a thought leader on the impact of technology and innovation, often sharing his views on the future of the internet and startups. His contributions to the development of the web and the tech ecosystem have made him one of the most influential figures in technology.
View Collection
Charlie Munger's Book Recommendations
Charlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.
View Collection
Alex Honnold's Book Recommendations
Alex Honnold is an American professional rock climber, best known for his free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. Honnold is renowned for his mental toughness, technical skill, and ability to climb without ropes or safety equipment. His accomplishments have made him a legend in the climbing world, and he continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Outside of climbing, Honnold is a philanthropist, founding the Honnold Foundation, which supports environmental sustainability projects, particularly in solar energy.
View Collection
Audrey Gelman's Book Recommendations
Audrey Gelman is an American entrepreneur and writer, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of The Wing, a network of co-working spaces and social clubs designed for women. She has been recognized for her innovative approach to creating supportive environments for professional women, significantly impacting feminist discourse and workplace equality. Gelman has also contributed thought-provoking essays to prominent publications such as The New York Times and The New Yorker, where she discusses gender, politics, and culture. Her leadership at The Wing has been celebrated for fostering community and collaboration among women. Additionally, Gelman's influence extends to the political sphere, having previously worked as a press aide on several high-profile campaigns.
View Collection
Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations
Ben Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 22 related collections
“"The history of money is the history of civilization itself; without finance, there can be no progress, and understanding its evolution is key to grasping our past and shaping our future."”
The Ascent of Money
By Niall Ferguson
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
