Civilization

In 1412, Europe was a miserable backwater, while the Orient was home to dazzling civilizations. So how did the West come to dominate the Rest? In this vital, brilliant book, Niall Ferguson reveals the six 'killer applications' that did it: Competition How Europe's small, piratical states built modern capitalism Science How innovation gave the West the military edge Property Rights How the laws of private property built the United States Medicine How colonialism transformed the world's health The Consumer Society How shopping made the Industrial Revolution The Work Ethic How western religious ideas brought it all together Do we still have these winning tools, he asks? Or is another power about to triumph? 'Brilliantly written, full of wit and virtuosity, stuffed with memorable lines and gorgeous bits of information. A great read.' The Times 'A dazzling history of Western ideas . . . epic.' Economist 'Vivid and fascinating.' Daily Telegraph 'Superb . . . brings history alive . . . dazzling.' Independent 'This is sharp. It feels urgent. Ferguson . . . twists his knife with great literary brio.' Andrew Marr