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Civilization The West and the Rest

Paperback (07 Jun 2018)

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Publisher's Synopsis

Winner of the Estoril Global Issues Distinguished Book Prize 2013

In 1412, Europe was a miserable backwater ravaged by plague, bad sanitation and incessant war, while the Orient was home to dazzling civilizations. Yet, somehow, the West came to dominate the Rest for most of the next half millennium.

In this vital, brilliant book, Niall Ferguson reveals the six 'killer applications' that the Rest lacked: competition, science, property rights, medicine, consumerism and the work ethic. And he asks: do we still have these winning tools? Or is this the end of Western ascendancy?

'Brilliantly written, full of wit and virtuosity, stuffed with memorable lines and gorgeous bits of information. A great read' The Times

'A dazzling history of Western ideas ... epic' Economist

'Vivid and fascinating' Daily Telegraph

'Superb ... brings history alive ... dazzling' Independent

'This is sharp. It feels urgent. Ferguson ... twists his knife with great literary brio' Andrew Marr, Financial Times

About the Publisher

Penguin Books

The first ten paperback Penguin books appeared in 1935 costing 6d each (the price of a packet of cigarettes). Since then the Penguin list has developed enormously, but still aims to bring the best writing to the widest possible audience. Penguin Paperbacks now range from Booker Prize-winning contemporary authors, to mass market bestsellers, with successful history, biography and general non-fiction as well.

Book information

ISBN: 9780141987934
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd
Imprint: Penguin Books
Pub date:
DEWEY: 909.09821
DEWEY edition: 23
Language: English
Number of pages: 432
Weight: 352g
Height: 197mm
Width: 129mm
Spine width: 36mm