In the Victorian era, money played a central role in novels, with characters like Mr Micawber and Augustus Melmotte facing financial struggles. While popular nonfiction books about money are rare, David McWilliams attempts to tell the history of the world through money in his book Money: A Story of Humanity. He argues that money is the story of humanity itself, tracing its impact from 18,000BC to the present day.
McWilliams, a former economist at the Central Bank of Ireland, brings a unique perspective to the subject, making the book well-researched and engaging. He uses anecdotes to bring the topic to life, including stories about Dutch tulip mania, the South Sea Bubble, and the influence of economics on Darwin’s theory of evolution. The book also explores surprising connections, such as relating The Wizard of Oz to the struggle between American populists and financial elites in the 1890s.
While the book has some minor flaws, such as digressions into unrelated topics and more technical sections on economics, overall, it offers an enjoyable read for both lay readers and economists. The strength of the book lies in its ability to make a complex subject accessible and entertaining, even if the author’s attempts to provide a mono-causal explanation for the evolution of the modern world may strain credibility at times. Money: A Story of Humanity is a compelling exploration of the impact of money on human history, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in understanding the role of money in shaping society.
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