Wealth And Poverty Of Nations (Paperback, New Ed)

Harvard historian Landes argues that world poverty and inequality are not only caused by unequally distributed natural resources, inhospitable climates, lack of investment, imperialism, armed conflict and environmental degradation but also by chance factors, like the invention of spectacles, which doubled the working life of skilled artisans in western Europe in the 17th century, and cultural factors, like the failure of the Chinese to adopt the clock, fundamentally hindering the economic development of the country for centuries. (Kirkus UK)

The history of nations is a history of haves and have-nots, and as we approach the millennium, the gap between rich and poor countries is widening. In this engrossing and important new work, eminent historian David Landes explores the complex, fascinating and often startling causes of the wealth and poverty of nations. The answers are found not only in the large forces at work in economies: geography, religion, the broad swings of politics, but also in the small surprising details. In Europe, the invention of spectacles doubled the working life of skilled craftsmen, and played a prominent role in the creation of articulated machines, and in China, the failure to adopt the clock fundamentally hindered economic development.

The relief of poverty is vital to the survival of us all. As David Landes brilliantly shows, the key to future success lies in understanding the lessons the past has to teach us - lessons uniquely imparted in this groundbreaking and vital book which exemplifies narrative history at its best.
 

General

Imprint:	Abacus
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Release date:	April 1999
Authors:	David S. Landes
Dimensions:	198 x 126 x 43mm (L x W x T)
Format:	Paperback
Pages:	650
Edition:	New Ed
ISBN-13:	978-0-349-11166-7
Categories:	Books > Business & Economics > Economics > Economic theory & philosophy Books > Humanities > History > World history > General Books > Humanities > History > History of specific subjects > Economic history Books > History > History of specific subjects > Economic history Books > History > World history > General Promotions
LSN:	0-349-11166-9
Barcode:	9780349111667

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