Peak human : what we can learn from the rise and fall of golden ages / Johan Norberg.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Norberg, Johan, 1973- author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

World history.

Civilization.

civilization.

Genre:

Informational works.

Physical Description:

501 pages : illustrations, maps ; 24 cm

Edition:

[First edition]

Other Title:

What we can learn from the rise and fall of golden ages

Place of Publication:

London : Atlantic Books, 2025.

Summary:

"All golden ages are marked by periods of spectacular cultural flourishing, scientific exploration, technological achievement and economic growth; yet no two are the same. Their beliefs, societies and place in the wider world all vary. Despite this, all previous golden ages have ended, whether it be because of external pressures or internal fracturing; too much hubris or too little wariness. Looking at seven of humanity's greatest civilizations -- ancient Athens, the Roman Republic, Abbasid Baghdad, Song China, Renaissance Italy, the Dutch Republic and the Anglosphere -- historian and commentator Johan Norberg seeks to distill their strengths and shortcomings in answering the question: how do we ensure that our current golden age doesn't end? As insightful as it is riveting, Peak Human is at once a paean to our incredible progress and a warning that we cannot afford to be complacent."--Publisher's description.

Contents:

1. Athens: democrats, dreamers and other deviants

2. Rome: melting pot of marble

3. The Abbasid Caliphate: at the crossroads of the universe

4. Song China: on the threshold of modernity

5. Renaissance Italy: the rebirth of law, literature and libertas

6. The Dutch Republic: trade, toleration and other treasures of the shore

7. The Anglosphere: industry, individualism and impertinence

Conclusion: further rise or inevitable decline?

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781838957292

1838957294

9781805463870

180546387X

OCLC:

1517972445

Publisher Number:

90103561951

CIPO000202973