Beginning in a jail cell and ending in a rugby tournament—the true story of how the most inspiring charm offensive in history brought South Africa together.After being released from prison and winning South Africa’s first free election; Nelson Mandela presided over a country still deeply divided by fifty years of apartheid. His plan was ambitious if not far-fetched: use the national rugby team; the Springboks—long an embodiment of white-supremacist rule—to embody and engage a new South Africa as they prepared to host the 1995 World Cup. The string of wins that followed not only defied the odds; but capped Mandela’s miraculous effort to bring South Africans together again in a hard-won; enduring bond.Watch a Video
#18188 in Books Niall Ferguson 2009-10-27 2009-10-27Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.40 x .91 x 5.44l; .83 #File Name: 0143116177448 pagesThe Ascent of Money A Financial History of the World
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Once again from Niall Ferguson - a good readBy Susan FerreiraNiall Ferguson has become one of the strange animals - an academic celebrity; which often brings a sense of unease to other academics. But they are a great asset; as they have the ability to crystallize their subject and explain it to us; who otherwise would not have a chance to dip into the subject.In the "Ascent of Money"; Niall Ferguson has written and entertaining book on the history of money from Mesopotamian times to the present. Published in a timely fashion in 2008; as the World descended into its latest "Bust"; this book provides a good overview of how and when money and financial products developed. The narrative is interlaced with tales of men; who contributed to or were destructive of these systems; institutions and/or countries and as always with a historical overview; we are left wondering why we never learn from our past. Sadly; the answer is most likely that we either do not know our past or think "This time it will be different" - and it never is!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Great book. No delivery problemsBy Brian K. YoderGreat book. No delivery problems.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. FascinatingBy DannyThis book is a fascinating history of finance. I learned a lot that I didn't know before; and felt that It not only gives a good overview on the markets but a good insight into why we have the system we have; how it got this way; and where we're headed in the future.Definitely recommend to anyone interested in finance especially our current situation in the United States.
