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The best fast and fun one is "How We Got Here" by Kessler, I think it's free if you send an email. Draws a really clever line of related inventions from swords
by brownbat 9y ago
The best fast and fun one is "How We Got Here" by Kessler, I think it's free if you send an email. Draws a really clever line of related inventions from swords to microchips.
Specific areas after that...
"Brilliant" by Brox on the history of lighting.
"Salt" by Kurlansky.
"The Master Switch" by Wu on telecoms and broadcasting.
"Ascent of Money" by Ferguson has some critics, but it's got some great historical anecdotes on the history of financial tools, like fractional reserves and insurance, weirdly captivating.
Those are all economic history... If you really want a pop intro to econ principles, maybe Planet Money? Pretty much everyone should listen to Planet Money anyway, it's just great radio.
- anadem 9y agoHere's Kessler's excellent How We Got Here (pdf): http://www.andykessler.com/andy_kessler/excerpts/How_We_Got_Here_Andy_Kessler.pdf http://www.andykessler.com/andy_kessler/excerpts/How_We_Got_...
- dmix 9y agoI gave Planet Money a shot but found the two hosts nearly unbearable and the typical NPR heavy-handed production and jumpy editing distracting. They try so desperately to make the topics sound fun/accessible that it ends up sounding like a disingenuous forced comedic act rather than a natural, education conversation with the guests...I guess I'm not the target audience for this. But I love the book recommendations. I plan to read that Kessler book tonight.