A Concise Economic History of the World: From Paleolithic Times to the Present (Paperback)

~ Rondo Cameron (Author), Larry Neal (Author) "Why are some nations rich and others poor?..." (more)
Key Phrases: epochal innovation, wheeled plow, puddling furnace, United States, Great Britain, Soviet Union (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

Praise for previous editions:
"I have long been an admirer of Professor Cameron's published scholarship. The topics he addresses are important and he writes with remarkable clarity and grace. The level of presentation is perfect for an undergraduate audience."--Michael Moohr, Bucknell University
"This book fits well with an undergraduate course in European or World Economic history. The text is strongest in describing national rivalries and why nations rose and fell."--Daniel R. Shiman, State University of New York at Oswego
"I am now even happier that I have consistently assigned (this book) in my classes. Cameron's interpretations of events always seem to me both sensible and consistent."--Richard N. Langlois, University of Connecticut
"A tour de force.... Manages to pack an astonishing wealth of detail on many topics, from the manorial system to the recovery and integration of Western Europe after World War II....Learned, lucid, readable, and appositely illustrated."--Journal of Economic Literature

Product Description

This classic book offers a broad sweep of economic history from prehistoric times to the present and explores the disparity of wealth among nations. Now in its fourth edition, A Concise Economic History of the World has been updated to reflect the stunning changes in the world economy since 1989. Truly a definitive history of globalization, the new edition has been expanded to include coverage of the most recent developments in the European Union, East Asia, and, in general, transition economies. Comprehensive and global in scope, this concise text features ample illustrations and a fully updated annotated bibliography that guides readers to the relevant scholarly literature. Now available in eleven languages, including Spanish (second edition), French, German (two volumes), Polish, and Chinese, this unique work remains an invaluable, lively, and accessible text for both undergraduate and graduate students of European economic history, the history of globalization, and world development.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA; 4 edition (May 30, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195127056
• ISBN-13: 978-0195127058
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,592 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Concise, informative and extremely well written, July 29, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: A Concise Economic History of the World: From Paleolithic Times to the Present (Hardcover)

This is one of the best books on economic history that I have read. This book is an excellent start for a person interested in economic history: it is well written, it is well structured, and overall fun to read. This book is an excellent overview and a very good guide. One thing for sure: it's an excellent way to spend your time. It enriched my knowledge of economics and history and became a good companion.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The total economic history of the world in laymans words, January 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: A Concise Economic History of the World: From Paleolithic Times to the Present (Paperback)

Rondo Cameron certainly explains the hold economic history of the world. Rondo takes you from the ages before Christ to the twenthieth century. Why did the Roman Empire went down?, Why Spain was not able to achieve higher levels of economical well-being despite their big colonies overseas?: Questions like these are answered in Rondo's excellent book. If a man wants to forsee the future, he has to go back and learn where he comes from. Economics and History were successfully married in the book, so historians, economists and financiers will find it helpfull.

12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Eurocentric, but focused, October 17, 1998

By	BD - See all my reviews

This review is from: A Concise Economic History of the World: From Paleolithic Times to the Present (Hardcover)

Don't expect "A concise economic history of the world" from Cameron's work. Do expect, however, an excellent account of Europe's economic history. If you want a more global, less "economic" account of the pre-modern world, try Janet Abu-Lughod. As for the modern world, a synthesis of Cameron and Asian experts would provide the comprehensive picture Cameron's title implies.