The History of Money

In his most widely appealing book yet, cultural anthropologist Jack Weatherford traces our relationship with money. From primitive man’s cowrie shells to the electronic cash card, from the markets of Timbuktu to the New York Stock Exchange,The History of Money explores how money and the myriad forms of exchange have affected humanity, and how they will continue to shape all aspects of our lives—economic, political, and personal.

Praise for The History of Money

“A fascinating book about the force that makes the world go round—the dollars, pounds, francs, marks, bahts, ringits, kwansas, levs, biplwelles, yuans, quetzales, pa’angas, ngultrums, ouguiyas, and other 200-odd brand names that collectively make up the mysterious thing we call money.” —Los Angeles Times

“The History of Money stockpiles fascinating anecdotes and shining insights into humanity’s long obsession with its most coveted possession.” —Seattle Times

“[An] engaging analysis of all things bought and sold.” —Hungry Mind Review

“An entertaining, on-the-money introduction to precisely what makes the world go round.” —Kirkus Reviews