num_pages: 402
description: Western civilizations rise to global dominance is the single most important historical phenomenon of the past five centuriesHow did the West overtake its Eastern rivals? And has the zenith of Western power now passed? Acclaimed historian Niall Ferguson argues that beginning in the fifteenth century the West developed six powerful new concepts or killer applicationscompetition science the rule of law modern medicine consumerism and the work ethicthat the Rest lacked allowing it to surge past all other competitors. Yet now Ferguson shows how the Rest have downloaded the killer apps the West once monopolized while the West has literally lost faith in itself. Chronicling the rise and fall of empires alongside clashes (and fusions) of civilizations Civilization: The West and the Rest recasts world history with force and wit. Boldly argued and teeming with memorable characters this is Ferguson at his very best.
language: English
title: Civilization: The West and the Rest
publisher: Allen Lane