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The Great Degeneration: How Institutions Decay And Economies Die (2012)

by Niall Ferguson(Favorite Author)

3.51 of 5 Votes: 2

languge

English

genre

History & Biography

publisher

Penguin

review 1: This book is too short by half, but only because I wanted more. I like books that lead me to other books; this is usually as a part in a series. Occasionally I find a book like 'Degeneration' that leads me to other works through its sources. I have already ordered "the Mystery of Capital" by de Soto and "Bowling Alone" by Putnam because of the references in 'Degeneration'.There are many books available that examine the problems in America and offer solutions. These usually follow an agenda that is along the lines of "more of the same" or "less of the same". Ferguson looks at a broader picture of western society and delves deeply into the history that brought us to where we are. He does recommend solutions of a sort and I won't deny that he has an agenda of his own. ... moreLike a 12 Step program; the truest way to solve a problem is to first admit that you have a problem. This is were 'Degeneration' really hits its mark; it digs into 'Capitalism', 'Government', 'the Law', and 'Civil Society' and looks at them through a historical lens to attempt to determine where the changes arose and how we got to where we are today.I like Ferguson and enjoy his style of blending economics and history to find solutions that seem unique only because so many ignore where we came from in their rush to get where they are going.
review 2: This book was not nearly as good as his earlier work "The Ascent of Money". My take is Ferguson had a contract to fill, and banged this one out in short order to complete his obligation to The Penguin Press. In Chapter Four Niall goes on a 10 page rant about privately funded schools his single example of private associations and their importance in a healthy society. If you choose to read it, you can skip the back half of this chapter. less

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