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.

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About the Author
David Landes is an economist who has enjoyed a distinguished academic career which includes senior posts at Columbia University and Harvard. He has both written and edited a great deal, and his work has been published in the States and Europe.

Reviews
A masterpiece * Norman Stone *
One of the most important works of history to appear in my lifetime * A N Wilson *
For once, amazingly, a book lives up to the hype ... a blast of fresh air, a work of militant good sense * EVENING STANDARD *
Gripping ... well worth reading * OBSERVER *


Awards
Short-listed for Samuel Johnson Prize for Non-Fiction 1999.



Book Information
ISBN 9780349111667
Author David S. Landes
Format Paperback
Page Count 672
Imprint Abacus
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 478g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 130mm * 41mm