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False Economy
- A Surprising Economic History of the World
- Narrated by: Peter Johnson
- Length: 11 hrs and 47 mins
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False Economy
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Summary
Here is an important book for turbulent times, an accessible and engaging economic history of the world, by the world trade editor of the Financial Times.
Witty, knowledgeable, and fluent, False Economy tells extraordinary stories of economic triumph and disaster, explaining how some countries went wrong while others went right, and why it’s so difficult to change course once you’re on the path to ruin.
Why do oil and diamonds lead to economic disaster more often than boom? Why doesn't Africa grow cocaine? Why might believing in God be good for your balance-sheet?
In 2001 Argentina’s government bankrupted itself, yet for the past 200 years it had enjoyed a vista of economic opportunity almost identical to that of the United States. Why did the US succeed while Argentina stalled?
False Economy explains how human beings have shaped their own fates, however unknowingly, and the conditions of the countries they call home. And though it is history, it does not end with the present day. Beattie shows how decisions that are being made now - which have either absorbed or failed to absorb the lessons from economic history - will determine what happens in the future. What does economic history teach us about the present economic unrest? Who will succeed and why? And who will fail? These are questions that we cannot afford to leave unasked. Or unanswered.
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What listeners say about False Economy
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- P
- 19-02-15
Simply brilliant...
Listen to it & marvel at the erudition & wisdom in what Beattie brings to this analysis of the evolution of the global economy...
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Tom
- 21-04-11
Absorbing book but iffy narration
This was an interesting and absorbing book, full of surprising insights and written with verve and humour. Economic history can be a dry subject, but the author keeps it moving, illustrating his points with good anecdotes, making you look at familiar events with a different eye.
Unfortunately the narration was not in the same class. Pacing was very uneven and the tone almost wooden such was the lack of variation - I got the strong impression that he had not read the book before his narration so disjointed was it in places. And without wishing to sound xenophobic, I think an English narrator would have better reflected the style and personality of the author.
So four stars for me; and before you buy do listen to the sample to make sure you're happy with the narration.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Martin
- 23-09-10
Interesting & engaging
Really enjoyable listen, well written book. I thought there was nothing wrong with the narration either.
The author is 100% correct about pandas and cats too!
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
- David
- 24-08-10
almost ruined by narration
This is a really interesting book, but the narration is terrible. I totally agree with the previous reviewer. He sounds like a robot, and can't pronounce the names of people and places properly.
The book is good, just on the section where the 'business plan' of cats is compared to that of pandas. Very funny and a great way to talk about adaptability and the ways that both species and countries can get stuck in a rut. The book explains all kinds of economic stuff in an interesting and enjoyable way.
The publishers need to be ashamed of the reader though, and their own slackness for not reviewing the audio book properly.
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5 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Andy
- 16-08-24
Surprizing and Interesting
This book provides answers to questions you've never thought to ask; once you hear the answer, you'll rack your brain as you wonder why you never asked them.
There are not a whole lot of numbers in this book so you won't be bogged down by math and statistics or 'helpful' graphs that require you to walk along with a tablet so you can read the attached PDF. There is, however, a solid evidential case made for many of the circumstances that play out on the world stage that effect your life in many ways far beyond economics lectures. I feel like this is one of those books that provides a bit of an understanding of some of the stranger parts of this world but explains them in a way that makes total sense when you understand the motives and incentives of all involved.
if you like Thomas Sowell and his books like Basic Economics, this is a good and more recent text that does something similar. And if you've read this but not read Sowell, go there next.
The reader does a great job with humorous as well as factual content with my only criticism being that he is American while I believe the author is British. When he introduces a folk song from 'Chester, the town I grew up in' it did leave me wondering how that works out but it's not important and the reader is almost perfectly matched to this style of content.
The content is over a decade old now and as with so many books on politics, economics and society, it feels a tiny bit dated in our social-media 'enriched' world that moves on so quickly. Having said that, I recommend this book as an interesting read and possibly an informative guide to world events that, as the author points out, are in many ways timelessly repeated.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Alistair Kelman
- 20-02-11
Enjoyed the book - haven't checked the audio
Whatever the listener's view I have read this book which is really superb. So if you want to enjoy it 'on the go' then I would recommend you get this audiobook
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance1 out of 5 stars
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Story3 out of 5 stars
- Mr S Harrison
- 21-01-19
Insightful and interesting, terrible narration
Well written and truly entertaining book, somewhat butchered by the entirety inappropriate corporate American training video-esq narration.
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
- Quietroom
- 19-08-10
Interesting book, terrible reading
Amazing that this reading passed quality control. The reader displays no understanding, reads with no nuance, pace or personality. I'm convinced that the voice is computer generated. I am very interested in the books ideas but lose the will to listen within minutes. I have never posted my views on any subject before but this product has infuriated me. I'd love to know what others think.
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7 people found this helpful