The Ascent of Money | Niall Ferguson

The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World (10th Anniversary Edition)

Extended Synopsis

In this expanded 10th anniversary edition, acclaimed historian Niall Ferguson brings his classic financial history of the world up to the modern era. Ferguson analyzes the major macroeconomic shifts of recent years, including the populist backlash that followed the 2008 financial crisis, the complex trade relationship and economic friction of "Chimerica," and the rapid evolution of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

The Ascent of Money frames finance as the true backbone of human history, casting a fresh perspective on pivotal historical milestones. From the foreign exchange dealers of the Italian Renaissance to the stock market bubbles that fueled the French Revolution, Ferguson demonstrates how financial innovations have been as crucial to the rise of civilization as any technological advancement. This comprehensive study provides an indispensable framework for understanding the trajectory of Western power through the rise and fall of its monetary systems.

Intended Audience

This text is designed for students of economic history, financial professionals, and general readers interested in macroeconomics, geopolitics, and the evolutionary origins of modern banking, markets, and digital currencies.

Author Biography

Niall Ferguson is one of the world's leading historians. He is the Milbank Family Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution, Stanford University, and a Senior Fellow of the Center for European Studies, Harvard. He has written numerous bestselling books on global history, economics, and geopolitics.

Accolades & Recognition

• A seminal work of global economic history, widely praised for its clarity and breadth.
• Updated to include vital contemporary analyses of the 2008 economic collapse, international trade conflicts, and decentralized finance.

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