A splendid exchange indeed

"A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World" is a fascinating and insightful book by William J. Bernstein about the history of trade and how it has influenced the world throughout human history. The author's writing style is engaging and easy to read, making the dense subject matter of economics accessible to a wider audience.

Bernstein takes his readers on a journey through history, starting with the ancient Sumerians and their trading practices which paved the way for the establishment of international trade. He explores the influence of different cultures and civilizations, including the Greeks and the Romans, the Byzantine Empire, the Islamic world, and the Chinese, in shaping the patterns of trade and the exchange of goods in the global economy.

One of the most interesting aspects of the book is the way in which Bernstein discusses the impact of trade on human history. He explains how the trading of goods such as spices, silk, and tea, helped to create and spread cultural and scientific knowledge across the globe. He also shows how trade led to the establishment of new cities and markets, provided a means for the accumulation of wealth, and contributed to the rise and fall of empires.

The author also does a great job in highlighting the role of individuals, both famous figures and lesser-known traders, who played a significant role in furthering the development of trade. Some of the characters mentioned by Bernstein include Marco Polo, who introduced Europe to the riches of China, Marcus Licinius Crassus, the wealthiest man in Rome who made his fortune through trade, and Vasco da Gama, who played a pivotal role in establishing European trade routes to Asia.

One of the strengths of the book is the way in which Bernstein ties the history of trade to contemporary issues, such as globalization, the rise of China as an economic superpower, and the impact of technology on the global economy. By examining the role of technology, from the printing press to the internet, the author explains how each new innovation has disrupted established trade patterns and helped to create new opportunities for growth and development.

Despite all the positives, the book does have a few weaknesses, primarily due to the scope of its subject matter. The author tries to cover too much ground in a short amount of time, resulting in a somewhat superficial overview of some of the historical periods and topics he discusses. Additionally, the book lacks a clear structure, with some chapters feeling disjointed and disconnected from one another.

Despite these issues, "A Splendid Exchange: How Trade Shaped the World" is an excellent read for anyone interested in the history of trade and its impact on the global economy. In particular, the book is ideal for readers who want an overview of the subject without getting bogged down in the technical jargon and complexities of economics. Bernstein's writing style is engaging, and his passion for the subject shines through in every chapter, making the book an informative and enjoyable read.