The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Some Are So Rich and Some So Poor
Author: David S. Landes
List Price: $16.95
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ISBN: 0393318885
Publisher: W.W. Norton & Company (01 May, 1999)
Sales Rank: 5,729
Average Customer Rating: 3.46 out of 5
Customer Reviews
Rating: 5 out of 5
Socioeconomic History of the World
Prof. Landes has proven himself astute, erudite, and in all ways learned of the social and economic history of the world at the macro scale. He has also proven himself a target for the liberal left - he has dared to speak factually on politically incorrect subject material. He has dared to talk about facts and figures, causes and effects, without stopping to protect/rationalize in favor of all non-European peoples from the obvious evils of all peoples European . What a refreshing insight - Europeans were not all alike (and evil) in the so-called "Age of Discovery" - Africans were not all alike, either, neither were Native Americans, or any other religious, ethnic or geographic group of peoples. We don't have to apply Affirmative Action to history (and economics) to learn - in fact, we're better off evaluating the base facts without the political bias, if we are ever to roam close to the truth. Prof. Landes is very persuasive in his arguments - for example: why did China fall behind the West in all measures of personal welfare and productivity (after an early lead), and why does China still suffer? The answer is not in geography or even in combinations of external factors - it lies within the root of the Chinese governmental and social system of repression and xenophobia, which persists to the present day. Another excellent example of the insight and analysis that Landes provides is his examination of the effects of religion - there can be little doubt that the repression of women will continue to drag down the societies in which this religious-based bias pervades. His comparison of Spain (once dependent upon the flow of precious metal from the Americas, marginalized when the flow ceased due to the lack of national industry, handicapped by the continuing intolerance of the Catholic Church) to Saudi Arabia should be a great warning to that country (which will no doubt go unheeded for the next hundred years - at which point the dependency on oil will suddenly uncover - a complete lack of national industry). Provocative, insightful commentaries herein - a very welcome addition to the top shelf of first rate "world histories". Bring on the critics - Prof. Landes is more than up to the task.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Everything you wanted to know about economic history, but...
I have only praise for this volume. Firstly narrative: It read like a thriller; hard to put down. Secondly content: the scope is vast with fine detail in addition to excellent references for further reading. Landes has combined real world knowledge with scholarly research to produce a tome that is immensely readable and rewarding. It is hard not to recommend his work to others. The book is written without regard for unnecessary political correctness; fearless. He clearly addresses aspects of recent history that is usually mired in vagueness and doublespeak. Wisdom and humour shine throughout. It reads like the author was able to magically place himself in various regions at different time periods, observing the proceedings and the back stabbing politics that normally accompany these historical events. And best of all, do look forward to the trivia candy strewn along in the book. For example, while making a point on the relevance of the State, he informs us that in Ottoman Turkey firefighting in the hands of private enterprise would respond efficiently when the alarm sounded. They competed with one another and negotiated with the house owner on the spot. As the negotiation proceeded, the fire burned higher and the stakes diminished. In light of the rewarding experience in reading this book, I am prepared to overlook his statement on the advantage Asians have in fine electronic assembly due to the inherent skill learnt by wielding a pair of chopsticks!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Packed with Knowledge!
David S. Landes has written an extraordinary economic history that will open your eyes about countries' economic flops and good fortune. He also covers what makes a country achieve - and keep - great economic success. The book will appeal not only to economic history buffs, but also to the average person who needs to know how to keep a company or a country from economic trouble. Not to mention, he offers lots of great cocktail party anecdotes to impress your friends. Landes builds on solid economic data, but his unusual factual nuggets and vivid commentary are what make the book such a pleasure to read. In an age where politicians seek to make sure America stays economically relevant amid huge trade friction, We believe this book is a must-read for not just the chief executive officer, but for the rank-and-file workers who want to make sure they will be winners, not losers, in international trade. Landes has cooked up a great feast of economic history. Come, draw up a chair to the table and partake of this rich bounty. Similar Products
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