The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World by Niall Ferguson

Another book that could be a blog?

While Niall Ferguson's book does present some interesting history on how a system of money and finance came into existence, it is probably something that could be better read in a condensed format somewhere else.

This book is peppered with self-aggrandizing comments, and "I-called-its", that makes it a bit tough to believe, and would probably work better in an informal personal blog than a formal history. It is true that no history is completely objective, but the author should at least have that intention.

As one final note the book lacks consistency. It jumps from one event to another with no set reason, and seems to accelerate to current times (1990-2008) and stay there for over half the book. Any explanations of financial products, like puts, options, swaps, bonds, etc...are not easy to understand, and might as well be left out.
In closing, save your credit and just google blogs on the financial crises, or finance history, you will find much the same material, and at least you will have visual aids.

The Story of India by Michael Wood

The Story of India by Michael Wood takes us on a historical journey from the first human migrations to present day. The book contains interesting and surprising facts, like Sanskrit, Greek, and Latin all appear to have originated from one common root.

Indeed, listening to the story, one can’t help but feel India was affected by the presence of many empires, British being the most recent.

Interestingly the story goes on to Muslim(Mughal) rulers in the 1500-1700s who actually tried to unite religions, and even dreamed of instituting a state under the rule of reason and not religion. Quite a dream, and arguably one that has yet to be achieved in our more enlightened times.

The 1500-1700s was a time when India was powerful and presided over some 100 million people, quite a contrast to England’s then 3 million. Quite amazing that colonization ever occurred, though India's disparity of class, wealth, and religion, probably played a part in their fall to the British.

India, however, came out of colonization with its culture intact. Indeed, one could say that commonwealth of nations of the former British empire is almost a kind of joke to India, now a nation that has come into its own still rich with all the diversity of its past.

From the long view, the increase in India’s economy is not so much something new, but more a returning to its former state of 200-300 years ago.

India is home to many religions and cultures including Hindu, Muslim, Jain, and Parsee. I enjoyed this read and strongly recommend it. The Story has also got made into a BBC (and PBS) series, which I plan to watch some day. Though in my mind the T.V. series are often slower than books with less information, but being able to see all the sights, people, and landmarks will be great.

Buy the Book from Amazon

Buy the DVD from Amazon