The Birth of Plenty

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The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World Was Created
The Birth of Plenty.jpg
Author William Bernstein
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish
Subject History
Publisher Wiley
Publication date
August 11, 2004
Media typePrint (Hardcover and Paperback) and audio-CD
Pages400
ISBN 0471270474

The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World Was Created is a nonfiction book on world history and economics by American author William Bernstein.

Contents

Summary

The Birth of Plenty is a history of the world expressed in economic terms. Bernstein argues that in order to prosper, a country must possess four main attributes: property rights, the scientific rationalism, capital markets and an effective means of transportation and communications. After establishing these as the basic requirements for economic success, the book examines the historical progress of a number of countries both with and without these attributes. Bernstein further argues that the four attributes are a necessary precursor to democracy. [1]

Reception

Publishers Weekly described the book as, "authoritative... accessible and thoroughly entertaining". [2] It also received positive reviews in the economic and investment community. [3] [4]

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References

  1. "Book Review: 'The Birth of Plenty' Is a True Economic History of the World". Seeking Alpha.com. June 19, 2009. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  2. "THE BIRTH OF PLENTY: How the Prosperity of the Modern World Was Created". Nonfiction review. Publishers Weekly. May 4, 2004. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  3. "The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World was Created . By William J. Bernstein. McGraw-Hill". Innovation Watch. David Forrest. Retrieved July 24, 2012.
  4. Todd, Rick (December 15, 2010). "Book review: The Birth of Plenty". Expat Investing blog. Rick Todd. Retrieved July 24, 2012.