“The ascent of money” gives an account of the financial history of the world. With this book the author has tried to cover the beginnings of every financial instrument present – banking, bonds, stock market, insurance and mortgage. Almost each of these instruments has their roots in Europe where they started around 15th or 16th century. Reasons for their start-up were sometimes obvious and sometimes a little less so. Usury was in-fact punishable by the clergy for some time. Bond market starte...

This is an interesting book regarding the financial history ranging from pre-historic origins to the modern day instruments. This book lucidly explains the background of the usage and origins of the various instruments with a great mix of history!! The necessity of the evolution of the instruments can also be understood.

Requires a basic theoretical knowledge of the various financial products to have a good read. Its definitely not for the casual readers and beginners.

It takes a certain kind of writing skills to make an otherwise dry subject as interesting as this. It is an interwoven classic of the evolution of finance. The events go back centuries in the past analysing why we have a certain kind of situation today. The explanations of historical events are eye opening such as:
• How did the Spanish thirst for gold contribute to inflation?
• The origin of bank notes and its similarity to promissory clay tablets of ancient Babylon
• The role of cotton bond...

The bond markets how they influenced politics,wars etc the legend of nathan rotschild, the financial markets their effect on society,politics etc leading to creation of corporations like east india company the legend of john law and how he conspired first stock market bubble are fascinating reads with full of mysteries as they say history is a mystery and thought.For sure u will read them for first time. the US housing bubble covers entire story of real estate bubble its resons and consequenc...

It takes a certain kind of writing skills to make an otherwise dry subject as interesting as this. It is an interwoven classic of the evolution of finance. The events go back centuries in the past analysing why we have a certain kind of situation today. The explanations of historical events are eye opening such as:
• How did the Spanish thirst for gold contribute to inflation?
• The origin of bank notes and its similarity to promissory clay tablets of ancient Babylon
• The role of cotton bond...

A highly informative and fascinating narration of global financial history. The book talk about evolution of financial services across the world, but it is more focused on the West.
It is good read for people keen on getting a glimpse of western world's financial history.

I first heard about it from a friend's FB comment that - If you want to know how money works, you have to read the Ascent of Money.

Documentary first - It was somewhere at the back of my mind until I saw its channel4 documentary. The 6-part documentary goes into each chapter of this book and explains it pretty well.

About the book - The book is a goldmine of financial history. But let me tell you, reading it is not a breeze. There is a lot of jargon used although the author has tried his be...

The books is very informative. The book was in great condition when it's delivered to me...great service

A great book...delivery was easy and on time. The book was in good condition

A British historian working at Harvard and Oxford trying to work out economics. Big disappointment......Biased too...................................................................................................................................................................................................................