The Ascent of Money

A Financial History of the World

Niall Ferguson traces the development of money, credit, banking, bonds, insurance, and financial markets from ancient Mesopotamia to the modern global economy. The book presents finance as a powerful force in political and social history, explaining how institutions such as banks, stock markets, and bond markets arose and shaped events. It also connects historical financial innovations and crises to the workings of the contemporary global financial system.

by Niall Ferguson

Penguin Press · First published 2008 · 441 pages