Bernstein tells the extraordinary story of global commerce, from its prehistoric origins to the myriad controversies surrounding it today. Lively, authoritative, and astonishing in scope, the riveting narrative views trade and globalization as an evolutionary process as old as war and religion.

Reviews

From simple barter to globalization; with a four-city tour, of course. Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

"[An] entertaining and greatly enlightening book . . . Bernstein is a fine writer and knows how to tell a great story well. . . . "A Splendid Exchange" is a splendid book." --"The New York Times"
"Superb . . . [A] significant contribution . . . The chronological range of Bernstein's book is staggering. . . . "A Splendid Exchange" is a work of which Adam Smith and Max Weber would have approved.... What really marks Bernstein out is his talent in understanding, and then explaining, international commercial linkages." --Paul Kennedy, "Foreign Affairs"
"Sparkling...Fascinating...One freewheeling historical passage follows another..."A Splendid Exchange" is saved from any possible tedium by its feast of contrarian conclusions, its broad historical sweep, and, especially, its vivid characters." -"Businessweek"
"Highly entertaining...In an era when trade is defined by interminable World Trade Organization talks and offers nothing more romantic than slab-sided container sh