Abbey's Bookshop Logo
Go to my checkout basket
Login to Abbey's Bookshop
Register with Abbey's Bookshop
facebook

The Power of Gold: The History of an Obsession

Peter L. Bernstein ,  Paul A. Volcker

9781118270103

Wiley


History; Economic history; Finance & accounting; Finance

Paperback

448 pages

$24.95  $22.45

In stock
ready to ship
order qty:  
Add this item to my basket

The new edition of this bestselling book reveals a record of human nature in the ubiquity of gold In this exciting book, Peter L. Bernstein tells the story of history's most coveted, celebrated, and inglorious asset: gold. From the ancient fascinations of Moses and Midas through the modern convulsions caused by the gold standard and its aftermath, gold has led many of its most eager and proud possessors to a bad end. And while the same cycle of obsession and desperation may reverberate in today's fast-moving, electronically-driven markets, the role of gold in shaping human history is the striking feature of this tumultuous tale. Such is the power of gold. Whether it is Egyptian pharaohs with depraved tastes, the luxury-mad survivors of the Black Death, the Chinese inventor of paper money, the pirates on the Spanish Main, or the hardnosed believers in the international gold standard, gold has been the supreme possession. It has been an icon for greed and an emblem of rectitude, as well as a vehicle for vanity and a badge of power that has shaped the destiny of humanity through the ages.* Discusses the beginnings of gold as something with magical, religious, and artistic qualities and follows its trail as we progress to the invention of coinage, the transformation of gold into money, and the gold standard* Other bestselling books by Peter Bernstein: Against the Gods, Capital Ideas, and Capital Ideas Evolving* Contemplates gold from the diverse perspectives of monarchs and moneyers, potentates and politicians, men of legendary wealth and others of more plebeian beginnings Far more than a tale of romantic myths, daring explorations, and the history of money and power struggles, The Power of Gold suggests that the true significance of this infamous element may lie in the timeless passions it continues to evoke, and what this reveals about ourselves.

By:   Peter L. Bernstein
Foreword by:   Paul A. Volcker
Imprint:   Wiley
Country of Publication:   United States
Edition:   2nd Revised edition
Dimensions:   Height: 30mm,  Width: 226mm,  Spine: 152mm
Weight:   538g
ISBN:  

9781118270103


ISBN 10:   111827010X
Pages:   448
Publication Date:   May 2012
Audience:   General/trade ,  ELT Advanced
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   In stock at Abbey's Bookshop
This is in stock in our store and available now.


Bernstein's book is a fascinating read, especially in light of the recent run-up in the price of gold. Should gold once again be viewed as a currency, as so many commentators have suggested? Were he still alive, Bernstein might laconically answer, 'Read my book.' (Seeking Alpha, May 2012)

Your cart does not contain any items.