The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World
by Niall Ferguson
The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World by Niall Ferguson holds a well received rating of 3.88 out of 5, based on 15.3K reader ratings. First published in 2007. The book spans 442 pages.
About The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World
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 backstory behind all history. With the clarity and verve for which he is known, Ferguson elucidates key financial institutions and concepts by showing where they came from. What is money? What do banks do? What’s the difference between a stock and a bond? Why buy insurance or real estate? And what exactly does a hedge fund do? This is history for the present. Ferguson travels to post-Katrina New Orleans to ask why the free market can’t provide adequate protection against catastrophe. He delves into the origins of the subprime mortgage crisis.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Niall Ferguson |
| Published | 2007 |
| Pages | 442 |
| Genres | History, Non-Fiction, Business |
| Average Rating | 3.88 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 15,286 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World?
The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World is categorized as History, Non-Fiction, Business. Its primary genre classification is History.
Is The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World worth reading?
Based on 15.3K reader ratings, The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World has an average score of 3.88 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World?
The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World has 442 pages.
Who wrote The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World?
The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World was written by Niall Ferguson. It was first published in 2007.
What is the ISBN for The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World?
The ISBN-13 for The Ascent of Money: A Financial History of the World is 9781594201930.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
