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The Great Divergence

China, Europe, and the Making of the Modern World Economy
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( 966 ratings, 91 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Great Divergence by Kenneth Pomeranz examines the economic shift in the 19th century where Western Europe and parts of North America experienced unprecedented growth compared to other regions. The book explores the reasons behind this divergence, with a focus on environmental factors, resources, and colonialism, challenging traditional Eurocentric narratives.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$5300

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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?

You might enjoy this book if you're keen on exploring why Western Europe and parts of Asia experienced different economic outcomes in the modern world. It delves into the factors behind these historical divergences, offering a compelling analysis for those interested in global economic histories and the processes of industrialisation.

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A landmark comparative history of Europe and China that examines why the Industrial Revolution emerged in the West.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

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 divergenceโ€”the 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

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  • The Great Divergence
    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...
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Book 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.

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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.

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