The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World Was Created (Unabridged) Audiobook, by William Bernstein Play Audiobook Sample

The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World Was Created Audiobook (Unabridged)

The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World Was Created (Unabridged) Audiobook, by William Bernstein Play Audiobook Sample
Currently Unavailable
This audiobook is no longer available through the publisher and we don't know if or when it will become available again. Please check out similar audiobooks below, and click the "Vote this up!" button to let us know you're interested in this title. This audiobook has 1 votes
Read By: Grover Gardner Publisher: McGraw-Hill Listen Time: at 1.0x Speed 3.17 hours at 1.5x Speed 2.38 hours at 2.0x Speed Release Date: February 2006 Format: Unabridged Audiobook ISBN:

Publisher Description

In the breakthrough spirit of Against the Gods, William Bernstein's The Birth of Plenty has the topical uniqueness and storytelling panache to literally create its own category and listener. Based upon the premise that mankind experienced virtually zero economic growth from the dawn of time until 1820, this provocative, big-picture book identifies the four conditions necessary for sustained economic progress: property rights, scientific rationalism, capital markets, and communications and transportation technology; and then analyzes their gradual appearance and impact throughout every corner of the globe. Filled with best-selling author William Bernstein's trademark meticulous research and page-turning writing style, The Birth of Plenty explores:

  • Where the world economy could be headed next
  • Implications of the book's thesis for today's society
  • How the absence of one or more of the conditions continues to threaten beleaguered regions

Rare is the book that proposes an entirely new premise, validates that premise with inarguable research and analysis, and then explains beyond question both the relevance and the implications of its premise to the listener and the world at large. The Birth of Plenty is just such a book. From its unique, topical subject matter to its tremendous review potential, this insightful book will be one of the most talked-about volumes of the publishing season.

Download and start listening now!

"This book deals with how a few inventions radically changed the pace of world development. The telegraph, intellectual rights, and debt financing all led to radical changes. Interesting read."

— Jacob (4 out of 5 stars)

The Birth of Plenty: How the Prosperity of the Modern World Was Created (Unabridged) Listener Reviews

Overall Performance: 3.8 out of 53.8 out of 53.8 out of 53.8 out of 53.8 out of 5 (3.80)
5 Stars: 2
4 Stars: 1
3 Stars: 1
2 Stars: 1
1 Stars: 0
Narration: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Story: 0 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 50 out of 5 (0.00)
5 Stars: 0
4 Stars: 0
3 Stars: 0
2 Stars: 0
1 Stars: 0
Write a Review
  • Overall Performance: 3 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 53 out of 5

    " This book was pretty dense and academic. The content was well researched and the overall idea was thought provoking. However, it was tough to get through this book. Only read this book if you are really into economics and history. "

    — John, 6/6/2013
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " An economic history book that provides great insights into the current world. "

    — Tom, 3/22/2012
  • Overall Performance: 4 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 54 out of 5

    " Interesting ideas about what made/makes the economy of individuals and nations grow. "

    — Shane, 8/9/2011
  • Overall Performance: 2 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 52 out of 5

    " Interesting overall argument, just put in the most tedious possible form. "

    — Andrew, 8/16/2007
  • Overall Performance: 5 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 55 out of 5

    " Fantastic - a history of world economics and how to understand whats happening "

    — Jon, 7/10/2007

About Grover Gardner

Grover Gardner (a.k.a. Tom Parker) is an award-winning narrator with over a thousand titles to his credit. Named one of the “Best Voices of the Century” and a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine, he has won three prestigious Audie Awards, was chosen Narrator of the Year for 2005 by Publishers Weekly, and has earned more than thirty Earphones Awards.