An Economic History of the World since 1400

De: Donald J. Harreld, The Great Courses

Narrado por: Donald J. Harreld

Most of us have a limited understanding of the powerful role economics has played in shaping human civilization. This makes economic history - the study of how civilizations structured their environments to provide food, shelter, and material goods - a vital lens through which to think about how we arrived at our present, globalized moment.

Designed to fill a long-empty gap in how we think about modern history, these 48 lectures are a comprehensive journey through more than 600 years of economic history, from the medieval world to the 21st century. Aimed at the layperson with only a cursory understanding of the field, An Economic History of the World since 1400 reveals how economics has influenced (and been influenced by) historical events and trends, including the Black Death, the Age of Exploration, the Industrial Revolution, the European colonization of Africa, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the birth of personal computing. Professor Harreld has crafted a riveting, centuries-long story of power, glory, and ideology that reveals how, in step with history, economic ideas emerged, evolved, and thrived or died.

Along the way, you'll strengthen your understanding of a range of economic concepts, philosophies, trends, treaties, and organizations, including the mercantile system, Adam Smith's The Wealth of Nations, Marxist economics, African independence movements, and the formation of economic organizations including the European Union. You'll also consider provocative questions about the intersection of history and economics. What did the economies of Roosevelt's America and Hitler's Germany have in common? What does history tell us about how nations should dictate economic policy? Can we say that free trade is truly free?

Marvel at just how much we still have to learn about the economic forces that have dictated our past - and that will dictate our future.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.©2016 The Great Courses (P)2016 The Teaching Company, LLC

Should be a required history class

The material in this book is outstanding. it provides a great framework for world history from the 1400s. As such it should be a first history book to read. As the title says this is a great course. It is not dramatic. But I couldn't stop listening to it because of the depth of the subject material.

Good sweep

Good sweep of history. Fills in lots of blanks. Ended a bit weakly and would have liked a bit more analysis of how we got here in history

great at offering context

this offers a great high level walkthrough. I really enjoyed. it was well read and was easy to listen to.

Very good

What did you love best about An Economic History of the World since 1400?

It has some unique insights. I learned some things.

Who was your favorite character and why?

there were no characters.

What does Professor Donald J. Harreld bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

A wealth of experience.

Very Apt to understand the present World Economics

One of the best works I have ever read or heard... Entire History Succinctly described. It not only explains the economic history but also beautifully describes socio political scenario of the nations. After listening one can better appreciate the present changing global economy and politics. Five Stars for narration

Economics entertwined through history

This is not a course in Economics and Professor Harreld states so up front. If you are hoping to learn about contemporary economic theory, you will be disappointed. It is a history of how the economy of civilization has developed over the last 600 years. 

What is interesting is in the way he shows how economics is so intertwined with the history of the world. When we think of things that have shaped history, we tend to think of military victories, technical developments, and charismatic leaders, with, other than Marxism, economics playing a minor role. Professor Harreld shows that economics played an important role as well and was an important driver behind many of the other forces as well. One particularly important note is that the course attempts to cover the entire world, unlike so many that focus almost entirely on the West. It really helped to understand how China and India were much more advanced than Europe until the Industrial Revolution caused such a great leap forward for the West and why that developed in the relatively backward West and not in either India or China. 

I have read several books on economics but have not studied the subject, so I’m an amateur but I found the course very interesting. Professor Harreld kept on topic and avoided technical language. The basic understanding that he communicated is also very relevant for a good understanding of the world today. I highly recommend this course.

Excelently Explained

It is a very clear and for non experts story of economics. Gives you a better understanding of the differents events that shaped our story and life, of course, more from the economic and less than from the political side, which is good.

A fascinating, well taught course, with a great professor

The course taught me a lot. I love the professor’s descriptive, non romantic approach. I strongly recommend on this course.

Wish I'd Taken This Class As an Undergrad!

Any additional comments?

Excellent introductory survey. The half-hour lecture format limits in-depth discussions, but the author packs a lot into each session. Some coverage of non-Euro cultures such as China and Japan as well as the expected chapters on the textile industry, Industrial Revolution, Finance Capitalism, etc.
This is an inspiring undergrad-level course I wish had been offered when i was in school.

Excellent Review Economic History

This course is delivered in atop quality manner. Easy to listen to. Deserves top marks.