The Ascent of Money

A Financial History of the World

By: Niall Ferguson

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 11 hrs and 27 mins

Publisher's summary

Niall Ferguson follows the money to tell the human story behind the evolution of finance, from its origins in ancient Mesopotamia to the latest upheavals on what he calls Planet Finance.

Bread, cash, dosh, dough, loot, lucre, moolah, readies, the wherewithal: Call it what you like, it matters. To Christians, love of it is the root of all evil. To generals, it's the sinews of war. To revolutionaries, it's the chains of labor. But in The Ascent of Money, Niall Ferguson shows that finance is in fact the foundation of human progress. What's more, he reveals financial history as the essential back story behind all history.

Through Ferguson's expert lens familiar historical landmarks appear in a new and sharper financial focus. Suddenly, the civilization of the Renaissance looks very different: a boom in the market for art and architecture made possible when Italian bankers adopted Arabic mathematics. The rise of the Dutch republic is reinterpreted as the triumph of the world's first modern bond market over insolvent Habsburg absolutism. And the origins of the French Revolution are traced back to a stock market bubble caused by a convicted Scot murderer.

©2008 Niall Ferguson (P)2008 Tantor

Well written, well read.

If you are looking for something in-depth or math heavy you should continue looking. This book is both approachable and easy to follow for anyone interested in a brief overview of the history of finance, so 5 stars.

Financial neophyte

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

As someone who knows practically nothing about finance, stocks, bonds, etc or why the world is in such dire financial straits, I found the second half of this book invaluable. It is clear, concise layman's language with lively discussion. I enjoyed the first half's history lesson even more. It explains why, how, where, and when money started to be used, what was considered money; the evolution of finance through the middle ages, etc. Good book for the non business guy.

I learned a lot

This was a good book. I learned a lot and that is what made it interesting for me.

Excellent

Even for the relatively uneducated on finance this is an easy to follow and very good explanation of the world of finance. The well educated will also learn, too, I'm sure.

Surprised it's non-fiction

Even though it was non-fiction it was a great story well narrated. The narrator did an excellent job of not falling into a monotonous rhythm but kept the flow of the narration just like you would expect if he was reading a novel.

A thorough and engaging history of finance

Would you consider the audio edition of The Ascent of Money to be better than the print version?

Simon Prebble does a great job communicating the ideas that Niall put forth within the work, thus, the engagement the listener feels may help them to retain the information presented.

What did you like best about this story?

The story seems factual, devoid of ego and agenda, it was very refreshing and I enjoyed the work highly. Unfortunately, I later listened to / read Niall's "Civilization," which came across as filled with ego and agenda perhaps to the detriment of facts. This has worried me in regard to the credibility of the information presented in "Money" (thus the four-star story rating). In any case, this work's content is very entertaining, and in spite of my worry, I recommend it.

What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Perhaps, I thought so.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I felt really engaged while listening to this book, but it isn't the type that tries to make readers / listeners laugh or cry.

Very entertaining and practical for a history book

I enjoyed this book because it offered a perspective of history that I can use to make better decisions in the future.

Excellent history of money

A really great story of money. I felt interested the whole time, though his comparison of real estate vs stocks is not accurate.

My Favorite History Lesson

Would you listen to The Ascent of Money again? Why?

I HAVE to listen to it again. There was so much information stuffed into this book that I am sure I missed things. Maybe in two more listens I might grasp all of the facts and concepts in their entirety.

What other book might you compare The Ascent of Money to and why?

I have not read or listened to a book like this one before. I would describe it as a combo of history, statistics, and business textbooks with a fluid and engaging flow that keeps you interested.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I would have liked to, but I think my brain would have exploded. It was great listening in 5 hour chunks.

Any additional comments?

Definitely a worthwhile buy. Everyone in a business field should listen and learn from this book. We cannot fathom our future without understanding our history.

A very dense historical compilation read by author is English English with wonderful Scottish overtones.

Not designed for American readers who consider history to have ended last Tuesday or do not care to Be bothered with details. Raises the question as to whether you actually ‘understand’ what you think you Know” ?