Foreign Policy Blogs

The Ascent of Money

 

 

The Ascent of Money

By Niall Ferguson (Penguin Press, 2008)

 

For both the financial history enthusiast and the newcomer to the global financial markets alike, Prof. Niall Ferguson offers an excellent survey of the development of money in his latest of financially themed books. Ferguson, regarded as one of Britain’s most noted historians, is provocative as he weaves together a world of complex relationships and issues in a very palpable yet rich explanation of the evolution of money and its role in society. Smartly written, Ferguson’s book is rather poignant considering current world events and is written in such detail to paint a very informative accounting of events and world issues that have resulted in money becoming what he argues is the “essential backstory behind all history”.

Ferguson’s book has also been turned into a two-hour documentary, written and presented by Ferguson himself, that will air as a four-hour presentation by PBS later in 2009. For the more information regarding the broadcast, click here to view its webpage.

 

Author

Josh Hopkins

Josh Hopkins , is a political consultant with specific interest in international political economy and fiscal policy. Concentrating on global economic and leadership studies while an undergraduate, he authored an independent study on Chinese and Turkish economic reform and co-authored multiple North Carolinian industry competitiveness reports used in state policy recommendations. Josh has also done work with numerous non profits and campaigns to increase efficacy in community building and public interest efforts throughout the country. Josh holds a B.A. in International Comparative Studies from Duke University.

Area of Focus
International Political Economy; International Relations; Politics

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