David McWilliams has written a new book, “Money: A Story of Humanity,” that takes readers on a journey through history using money as the lens. The author, a former economist at the Central Bank of Ireland, argues that the story of money is essentially the story of humanity itself, claiming that money was the first thing humans ever wrote about.
From King Midas to Johannes Gutenberg, the book covers a wide range of historical events and figures related to money, highlighting intriguing anecdotes that bring the subject to life. Some stories are well-known, such as Dutch tulip mania and the South Sea Bubble, while others, like the role of economics in inspiring Darwin’s theory of evolution, may come as a surprise.
While the book is engaging and well-researched, some critics argue that it falls short in certain areas. The section on how commercial banks create money may be tough for lay readers to grasp, and the narrative’s attempt to provide a mono-causal explanation for the modern world’s evolution is ambitious but flawed.
Despite its flaws, “Money: A Story of Humanity” offers plenty for readers to enjoy, blending history, economics, and storytelling in a unique and engaging way. Whether you’re an economist or a casual reader, McWilliams’ book provides a fascinating exploration of how money has shaped human civilization.
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