The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World was Created

Written by William J. Bernstein

Narrated by Grover Gardner

In the breakthrough spirit of Against the Gods, William Bernstein's The Birth of Plenty has the topical uniqueness and storytelling panache to literally create its own category and listener. Based upon the premise that mankind experienced virtually zero economic growth from the dawn of time until 1820, this provocative, big-picture book identifies the four conditions necessary for sustained economic progress: property rights, scientific rationalism, capital markets, and communications and transportation technology; and then analyzes their gradual appearance and impact throughout every corner of the globe. Filled with best-selling author William Bernstein's trademark meticulous research and page-turning writing style, The Birth of Plenty explores:
Where the world economy could be headed next
Implications of the book's thesis for today's society
How the absence of one or more of the conditions continues to threaten beleaguered regions
Rare is the book that proposes an entirely new premise, validates that premise with inarguable research and analysis, and then explains beyond question both the relevance and the implications of its premise to the listener and the world at large. The Birth of Plenty is just such a book. From its unique, topical subject matter to its tremendous review potential, this insightful book will be one of the most talked-about volumes of the publishing season.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mcgraw-Hill Audio
• Release date: Mar 23, 2004
• ISBN: 9780071473293