More: A History of the World Economy from the Iron Age to the Information Age

More is the history of economics throughout the world. The book is well written. Alas, I have recently read and listened to many books that have covered various parts of the narrative, so much of it feels repetitive. The book traces the origin of trading in the early days of humanity and gradually works its way through the complexities of today. Rulers have often created stratagems to help enrich themselves, but these more often than not backfire. Even well-meaning central planners fail to understand the unintended consequences of their plans. Economic considerations can often influence who comes to power. However, those in power must deliver - and it is often easier to group group people to different identities to "blame" somebody else. Sometimes we learn from history. (The Allies resisted the call for reparations after World War 2 and helped create a more stable Europe.) More often than not, new unanticipated complexities rear themselves (such as the housing crisis and the late 00s recession.)