Money Changes Everything
Money Changes Everything presents a fascinating look into the way that finance has steered the course of history. It explains that finance is a time machine, a technology that allows us to move value forward and backward through time; and that this innovation has changed the very way we think about and plan for the future. Exploring the critical role of finance over the millennia, and around the world, Money Changes Everything details how wondrous financial technologies and institutions―money, bonds, banks, corporations, and more―have helped urban centers to expand and cultures to flourish.
"Money Changes Everything--a history of finance over three millennia--provides a welcome antidote to the incessant banker-bashing we've witnessed in recent years. Without finance, after all, civilized life could scarcely exist."
— Wall Street Journal
"A panoramic historical sweep packed with interesting nuggets. . . . All very enjoyable, and I'd say essential for anyone interested in financial history."
— Enlightened Economist
"William Goetzmann's Money Changes Everything is a thorough look at finance and world history, a 5,000-year journey that demonstrates the pivotal role of free market capitalism in building nations and serving human interests."
— Washington Free Beacon
"An accessible survey that does a fine job of reallocating past, present, and future."
— Kirkus
"Money Changes Everything is a treasure, unequalled in scope, unparalleled in depth of insight. . . . This is a must-read for anyone in finance or who wants to find out what it's about."
"A must-read for anyone interested in the history of finance."
"Let me say simply that everyone who is curious about the history of finance will be richly rewarded by reading this book."
— Linda Jubin, Investing.com,
"A remarkable work of synthesis and scholarship, the book affords a deep perspective to anyone trying to grapple with current problems in the role of finance and financial regulation in a civilized society."
— Elie Canetti, Finance & Development
"No one book can capture all there is to know about financial history. But Money Changes Everything comes awfully close to a comprehensive review of financial infrastructure. . . . The intersection of war, nation-building, finance, mathematics, and even art is given exhaustive analysis in this book. . . . Goetzmann's work is a fascinating tour through the history of currency, finance, probability, and risk."
— David R. Henderson, Regulation
"Goetzmann weaves his expertise in finance, architecture, archaeology, sinology, and art history into a wonderfully rich tapestry. Goetzmann's enthusiasm for his topic is infectious. . . . Goetzmann has written a wonderfully erudite book in a way which is accessible to a wide audience. This book should be compulsory reading for all finance professionals and anyone with an interest in economics, finance, or history. If you want to understand how money changes everything, then Goeztmann's magnum opus is a must-read."
— John D Turner, Economic History Review