It does give a good bit of info on financial history, particularly in regards to how the current U.S. situation compares to previous "bubble" economies, such as Japan's in the 1990's, the US in the 30's, and going back to the South Sea Bubble and the Mississippi Scheme. But again, if you're already familiar with the functions of bubbles, you already know that the U.S. is completely following that historical pattern.
The most interesting info in this volume is the comparison of the U.S. to Japan in the 1980's/90's. Now THERE I learned something, but it can be summarized in three sentences: The U.S. has, for the last 12 years, followed almost exactly in the Japanese footsteps. In almost all categories of financial and demographic events, we are exactly 10 years behind Japan, Inc. Which means we've got a really tough 10 years ahead of us with an incredible bear market.
Another interesting section of the book is the indictment of Alan Greenspan (aka, "The Devil") and his disasterous policies, who us bears consider a "serial bubble blower" who will one day be credited for destroying our economy instead of saving it. Turns out Greenspan was once a disciple of Ayn Rand and he has long believed in a currency based on gold instead of thin air. Too bad he doesn't practice what he believes in. But, again, I read about this truth of Greenspan on various bear web sites before I read this book.
The authors aren't terribly good writers, unfortunately... the "one star" reviewer elsewhere here has that right. But the message they have to tell does need to be told (to those who don't already know it.)
Even for those new to the Austrian "hands off the market economy" school of economics, this wouldn't be the book I'd start with. Consider "Economics for Real People" by Gene Callahan instead. And, for an introduction to why we're heading into a soft depression, consider Robert Prechter's "Conquer the Crash."
My last criticism of this book is the title, "Surviving the Soft Depression of the 21st Century." The authors actually don't give you any tips at all for surviving the next 10 years, save for one: "Buy Gold." So, those words shouldn't even be part of the title, frankly.
My advice: Skip this book, visit the Web sites I've mentioned and read the articles there (including the author's), and BUY GOLD NOW.
Cheers,
Brian