The Ascent of Money

The Ascent of Money is a TV special presented by PBS based on British historian Niall Ferguson’s book of the same name. The Ascent of Money, subtitled The Financial History of the World, aired in July 2009. The four-part series covers the creation of our modern economic system by highlighting the financial milestones that made it, for better or for worse, what it is today. Ferguson, who hosts, teaches financial and economic history as a Harvard University and Harvard Business School Professor. He is also a commentator on contemporary economics and policy, from regular contributions to American and British press as well as appearances on broadcast TV. He has written and published over 10 books, which have received numerous prizes. In Part 1, From Bullion to Bubbles, Ferguson explores the global financial crisis and the West, focusing on the establishment of moneylending, stocks, bonds, and credit. In Part 2, Bonds of War, Ferguson describes the upwelling of “modern” finance with a focus on Europe and the decline of its landed aristocracy. In Part 3, Ferguson covers the insurance industry, hedge funds, and probes risk management by documenting disasters such as Hurricane Katrina. Finally, in Part 4, Ferguson discusses financial practices and their far-reaching consequences. From Spain to Italy, from Rothschild to Soros, Niall Ferguson argues in The Ascent of Money that our financial history is inextricably intertwined with our human history. MORE