Based on the series produced for the BBC World ServiceWho thought up paper money? How did the contraceptive pill change the face of the legal profession? Why was the horse collar as important for human progress as the steam engine? How did the humble spreadsheet turn the world of finance upsidedown?The world economy defies comprehension. A continuouslychanging system of immense complexity, it offers over ten billion distinct products and services, doubles in size every fifteen years, and links almost every one of the planets seven billion people. It delivers astonishing luxury to hundreds of millions. It also leaves hundreds of millions behind, puts tremendous strains on the ecosystem, and has an alarming habit of stalling. Nobody is in charge of it. Indeed, no individual understands more than a fraction of whats going on. How can we make sense of this bewildering system on which our lives depend?From the tallystick to Bitcoin, the canal lock to the jumbo jet, each invention in Tim Harfords fascinating new book has its own curious, surprising and memorable story, a vignette against a grand backdrop. Step by step, readers will start to understand where we are, how we got here, and where we might be going next.Hidden connections will be laid bare how the barcode undermined family corner shops why the gramophone widened inequality how barbed wire shaped America. Well meet the characters who developed some of these inventions, profited from them, or were ruined by them. Well...

Binding: Paperback;352 pages; Publisher: Hachette UK Distribution; Classification: KCZ; Weight: 388 g; Dimensions: 159 x 149 x 23

Something not quite right? You have 28 days from the day you receive it, to send something back.

Please note, we cannot offer refunds on fashion face masks, cosmetics, pierced jewellery, adult toys, and swimwear or lingerie if the hygiene seal is not in place or has been broken.

Items of footwear and/or clothing must be unworn and unwashed with the original labels attached. Also, footwear must be tried on indoors. Items of homeware including bedlinen, mattresses, and toppers, and pillows must be unused and in their original unopened packaging. This does not affect your statutory rights.

Click here to view our full Returns Policy.