The Great Divergence
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 966 ratings, 91 reviews)Read More
International Supplier
This title is in-stock with overseas suppliers. While it is not available locally, we fly books in weekly from the US and UK to our Auckland warehouse for immediate dispatch.
Found a better price? Request a price match
The Great Divergence
Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
Latest News
New Releases to add to your TBR this week (6th October)
With some huge new novels for Fiction, some incredible memoirs and cookbooks, plus some new...
Review: Threshing Day
Our Book Hero Ambassador @NZBookTokGirl is back with her latest read, and this time itβs...
Story to Screen - 7/10/2026
The Story to Screen Report is back! Sacha has rounded up the latest news from...
Why Two-Player Games Deserve a Spot on Your Shelf
You donβt need a whole group for a great game night! Amelia shares some of...
10 months in: My top 10 romantasy reads of the year so far!
Weβre 10 months into the year, and Iβve already read some incredible romantasy books! From...
See moreA landmark comparative history of Europe and China that examines why the Industrial Revolution emerged in the West.
A landmark comparative history of Europe and China that examines why the Industrial Revolution emerged in the West.
The Great Divergence sheds light on one of the great questions of history: Why did sustained industrial growth begin in Northwest Europe? Historian Kenneth Pomeranz shows that as recently as 1750, life expectancy, consumption, and product and factor markets were comparable in Europe and East Asia. Moreover, key regions in China and Japan were no worse off ecologically than those in Western Europe, with each region facing corresponding shortages of land-intensive products.
Pomeranz's comparative lens reveals the two critical factors resulting in Europe's nineteenth-century divergenceβthe fortunate location of coal and access to trade with the New World. As East Asia's economy stagnated, Europe narrowly escaped the same fate largely due to favourable resource stocks from underground and overseas.
This Princeton Classics edition includes a preface from the author and makes a powerful historical work available to new readers.
Series: Princeton Classics
View allBook Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
The Great Divergence by Kenneth Pomeranz is praised for its exhaustive research and sophisticated scholarship, especially in world history. It is described as thought-provoking and influential in reshaping the debate about the origins of capitalism and the contrasting developments of the West and East. Reviewers highlight its significance to understanding the Industrial Revolution and commend its rich insights and innovative approach in comparing various regions.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780691217185
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 13 April 2021
Country: United States
Imprint: Princeton University Press
Illustration: 1 b/w illus. 9 tables.
Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly
DIMENSIONS
Width: 140.0mm
Height: 216.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 404
About the Author
Kenneth Pomeranz is University Professor of History at the University of Chicago. His books include The Making of a Hinterland and The World That Trade Created.
More from History & Military
View allWhy buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
History & Military lists from the team
Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!



