How the World Became Rich: The Historical Origins of Economic Growth

Most humans are significantly richer than their ancestors. Humanity gained nearly all of its wealth in the last two centuries. How did this come to pass? How did the world become rich?

Mark Koyama and Jared Rubin dive into the many theories of why modern economic growth happened when and where it did. They discuss recently advanced theories rooted in geography, politics, culture, demography, and colonialism. Pieces of each of these theories help explain key events on the path to modern riches. Why did the Industrial Revolution begin in 18th-century Britain? Why did some European countries, the US, and Japan catch up in the 19th century? Why did it take until the late 20th and 21st centuries for other countries? Why have some still not caught up?

Koyama and Rubin show that the past can provide a guide for how countries can escape poverty. There are certain prerequisites that all successful economies seem to have. But there is also no panacea. A society's past and its institutions and culture play a key role in shaping how it may – or may not – develop.

Editorial Reviews

"A vivid and crystal-clear summary of the very large body of research compiled in the past two decades on the most important question in economic history. Well informed, solidly anchored in historical facts and economic analysis, this book is a must for economics students."
Joel Mokyr, Northwestern University

"In our current moment, when many are worried about the future of growth for the environment and the planet, this thought-provoking book by two leading scholars tells the story of how and why economic growth took off, and how it hugely raised living standards, but also increased inequality and misery on the way. This is a must-read for anybody worried about the future of growth and poverty on our planet."
Daron Acemoglu, MIT

"[T]imely, consolidated, and refreshingly succinct. . . . It is likely to be a seminal text for years to come." "[T]imely, consolidated, and refreshingly succinct. . . . It is likely to be a seminal text for years to come." The Economic History Review

Readers Top Reviews

AuroraLuis A Ibarra

De lectura amena, lenguaje sencillo y muy buen referente para entender el desarrollo económico

E. MACKAAY

Remarquable synthèse de ce que l’on sait et de ce que l’on ne sait pas encore sur le déveppement économique, et notamment le grand décollage depuis deux siècles et demi. Le livre englobe et dépasse, mais en les vulgarisant, les leçons proposées par Acemoglu et Robinson (Narrow corridor), McCloskey (Bourgeois dignity), North, Greif, Mokyr et tant d’autres. Un tour de force époustouflant !

Macario Schettino

The best book on economic growth in a long time. Its inclusion of culture as a very important complement to institutions makes it much more useful than other previous books that are also important, like Acemoglu, Johnson and Robinson… a must!

Dale Henn

Important perspective to gauge the 21st century - astonishing increase in world per capita income since the 18th century. The world is rich - almost everyone today is better off than royalty of 1800. More work to do but massive poverty reduction to date. Detailed discussion of how that happened with extensive citations establishing credibility and for further reading. Very readable. Clearly explained. Causation evaluated thoughtfully. A great read. Thx.

Convincing data on economic growth in different countries and good overview over why growth did take off in some countries and not others.