Howard Means: Money and power: The history of business

Despite the interminable history of business, which has technically been going on ever since humans evolved sufficiently to trade with each other, certain crucial moments of change have occurred. Starting in the 12th century, Means explains how the Church acted as a conservative force against business.

He progresses through history with stories that include that of Florentine banker Cosimo de Medici (who dealt with the Church's disapproval by simply throwing money at it); the birth of the stockmarket in the Netherlands; the cranking-up of the Industrial Revolution thanks to a synthesis of science and finance; Henry Ford and the mass market; Robert Woodruff and the creation of Coca-Cola as the first global brand; and on into Silicon Valley and cyberspace.

A fascinating lens through which to view history.

Puffin

$13.95