An Empire of Wealth

The Epic History of American Economic Power

De: John Steele Gordon

Narrado por: Bob Souer

Throughout time, from ancient Rome to modern Britain, the great empires built and maintained their domination through force of arms and political power.

But not the United States.

America has dominated the world in a new, peaceful, and pervasive way - through the continued creation of staggering wealth. In this authoritative, engrossing history, John Steele Gordon captures as never before the true source of our nation's global influence: wealth and the capacity to create more of it.

©2004 John Steele Gordon (P)2019 Tantor

KNOW YOUR HISTORY!

I learned so much and so much more how current events are mirroring history. I'll reread it to pick up even more insights.

Focused Narrative

As my title indicates, the author stays on target and does not add unnecessary pages providing unrelated content or anecdotes. At face value it’s a chronicle of the economic evolution of the United States.

One of the BEST History Books EVER

I love the history! You did a beast of a job on this book. I couldn’t put it down.

Only part I disagree with is Keynesian economics. The government should get out of the way and let the free market churn!

I can’t wait to read your other books! Thanks.

Outstanding Work of Art in History

I've been a student of history and economics since my mid-twenties. An Empire of Wealth I just picked up at a used book store. The title caught my eye. But it sat in a drawer for over a year. Then I noticed the audio version and now in my life a lot more windshield time I purchased this title. I couldn't quit listening. I made excuses to run an errand or make another trip just so I could give my undivided attention. The shear undertaking of such an exhaustive work with attention and intension to detail was incredible. Thank you. I have already recommended this book and audio to many people and to be purchased together.
This is a collectors item that should become a great reference book.

Good economic history of the U.S. until WWII

This book is a short and easy to understand economic history of the United States. It is good on details without getting deep into the numbers and boring details that can put one to sleep.

I would recommend reading this book and stopping after World War II ends in the book. Afterwards the author, John Steele Gordon, is out of his depth as he erupts into different topics unable to concentrate on one strong topic, goes into regular history instead of economic, and worst of all he adds his dumb personal opinions. It is in this section that it becomes clear that Gordon worships the capitalist system he probably has never worked in his life (probably only wrote for his career). Before you got random hints of his personal opinion but this end section is full of them and 20 years after this book was written, not only disproves lots of his personal opinions (stick to the economic facts Gordon), but shows what a mess the ending of this book is. Really stop after the WWII section and find another book on post-1945 economics

Excellent and balanced economic overview of U.S history

I found this book after reading, and enjoying, the author’s book on the transatlantic cable (Thread Across the Ocean). It was just as good, if not better. He adeptly provides an overview of U.S. history from the colonial period until the turn of the millennium through the lens of economics, and does so without strong biases frequently affecting histories. There are criticisms and praises of presidents and other leaders, but I thought he struck a good balance when many are polarizing. For example, FDR and Reagan are both painted in positive light for their impact on the economy, and he describes the back and forth between industrial tycoons and the labor movement with a balanced hand.

The author also provides a detailed account of the factors influencing the growth (and occasional decline) of American economic power without getting too deep into technical specifics. Nothing would have ruined an audiobook faster than constantly referring to economic graphs that one can’t see.

The book is from 2004 and therefore misses the 2008 recession and housing bubble, currently government spending trends (stimulus after stimulus, expanded social programs, perpetually high defense spending). I wish the author would write another chapter to carry on the narrative. Many of his closing comments would likely be different with 20 additional years of perspective.

Narration was great. The calm and matter-of-fact tone was suited to the subject matter. It was easy to follow without being distracting or adding his own bias.

It's comprehensive

His opinion on Jeffersonian policies which killed the American economy, as well as how each president's policies affected the economy from the beginning. Not only does he shove information into you but it is useful information.

Enjoyable History

Pretty breezy look at the growth of the American economy and the people and technologies most responsible for it. I think I enjoyed the early history more as I started to notice more potential authorial presence as we crept towards the present. Full of interesting little factoids also. I would recommend as a contribution towards an education in economic or more broadly American history.