The Wealth and Poverty of Nations

Why Some Are So Rich and Some So Poor

This historical economic study examines why certain nations achieved economic dominance while others remained impoverished. David S. Landes analyzes the complex interplay of geography, culture, political institutions, and technological innovation across centuries. The book explores how Western societies cultivated open systems focused on work and knowledge, leading to industrial advancement and global power disparities.

by David S. Landes

W.W. Norton · First published 1998 · 658 pages