The serious student should head for Schempeter - but only after joining everyone else with Postrel. Diamond's answer is the title to his book. He explains how biological and geographical factors worked through a competitive, evolutionary process to put Europeans at the top of the range of human development. His sympathy and concern for other people is strong, but Diamond is a scientist looking for the facts. What Virginia Postrel has done for the future, Diamond has done for the past.
Every page has a math problem, a quotable in-joke, an amazing idea, or a bit of sharp prose.
Quirky, long, and occasionally tedious, but nonetheless a worthwhile read.