For the first time in paperback, the bestselling author of The Intelligent Asset Allocator gives us an economic, political, military, and institutional history of how the modern world was formed.About the Book Noted financial expert and neurologist Bernstein takes a fascinating look at the key conditions that had to be in place before world economic growth.The Birth of Plentyisolates four conditions that when occurring simultaneously create an all-inclusive formula for human progress: Property rights--Creators must have proper incentives to create Scientifics rationalism--Innovators must be allowed to innovate without fear of retribution. Capital markets--Entrepreneurs must be given access to capital to pursue their visions Transportation/communication--Society must provide mechanisms for effective communication of ideas and transport of finished productsFrom the rise of common law to the invention of the steam engine, from the creation of currencies to shipbuilding, this is an in-depth history of the rise of prosperity.--"Bill Bernstein has given us a compact and immensely readable economic, political, military, and institutional history of our civilization that is a tour de force. Put everything else down. Take a deep breath. Open The Birth of Plenty.

And prepare to be amazed."-- John C. Bogle, Founder and Former CEO, The Vanguard GroupKey Selling Features Updated Content:The paperback edition will include a timely new preface and introduction. Great Track Record:The Birth of Plenty has sold over 23,000 copies in hardcover since 2004. Highly Promotable Author:William Bernstein has an intensely loyal following of readers and is often quoted in The Wall Street Journal and is frequent guest columnist for Morningstar. Strong reviews/Endorsements for Hardcover edition:"Packed with information and ideas, Bernstein's book is an authoritative economic history, accessible and thoroughly entertaining."-- Publisher's Weekly."It is topical, as well, examining the impact of economic progress on "happiness,"-- BooklistMarket / Audience Economists, investors, business professionals and MBA/Finance students.

Anyone looking for an interesting, readable introduction to both history and economics. Followers of Bernstein.About the Authors William J. Bernstein (North Bend, Oregon)is the editor of the quarterly asset allocation journal Efficient Frontier, founder of the popular website EfficientFrontier.com, and a principal in Efficient Frontier Advisors. He is often quoted in national publications, including The Wall Street Journal, Barron's, Money, and Forbes.