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A Splendid Exchange

How Trade Shaped the World

by William J. Bernstein

Atlantic Monthly Press, 2008

Category: Economics & Politics

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A Splendid Exchange

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In this summary you will learn

  • How world trade began and developed
  • How it expanded to the New World
  • Why global trade is an irresistible economic force

Why you should read A Splendid Exchange

The appeal of this comprehensive history of world trade is rooted in its valuable information, thoughtful insights and brilliant writing. But, you’ll also be delighted with the fascinating, little-known details that financial theorist William J. Bernstein throws in along the way. For example, did you know that the Boston Tea Party, the legendary event that helped launch the American Revolution, was not a selfless act of patriotism, but a venal stunt by greedy smugglers and merchants that actually cost the colonists a lot of money? How about the fact that an Ethiopian herder may have discovered coffee in A.D. 700 when he noticed that his goats and camels bounced merrily around all night after chewing on the red berries of an unknown shrub? Or that the early Chinese sometimes adulterated their precious tea exports with sawdust? Bernstein fills his book with such beguiling minutiae, but primarily he presents a knowing, comprehensive, discerning report on world trade from its prehistoric beginnings to the present. getAbstract predicts that Bernstein’s saga will engage you from the first page to the last, and from sea to shining sea.

About the Author

William J. Bernstein is an author, financial theorist and historian. His other books include The Birth of Plenty and The Four Pillars of Investing.

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Roy Davis October 21, 2010

This book is truly an eye opener, great read for everyone and would suggest that it would be come a mandatory read for all school grade levels.

Koni Gebistorf October 22, 2010

An instant classic, yes.