In “Debt – The First 5,000 Years”, anthropologist David Graeber tackles the history of debt. He discusses how it has been used and abused throughout the ages, from ancient civilizations to modern day Wall Street. This updated and expanded edition includes a new section on the global financial crisis.
For who is this book for ?
This book is for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the history and implications of debt. Graeber provides a comprehensive overview, from its humble origins to its current role in global finance. He offers insights into how debt has been used and abused throughout the ages, and argues that it is time for a change.
Pros :
- It is interesting and well-researched
- It provides a unique perspective on the history of debt
- It is eyeopening
Cons :
- It is dense and academic;
- It is long and may be dry for some readers;
- It covers a lot of material, so it can be difficult to follow at times.
Learn more about the author
David Graeber is an anthropologist and anarchist who teaches at Goldsmiths, University of London. He has written numerous books about social movements, democracy, and asymmetric power relations.
Reader Reviews
“This is a must read for anyone interested in the origins of money and finance. Graeber does an outstanding job tracing the history of debt from ancient times to the present.”
“Highly readable and thought-provoking… Graeber has done a masterful job at taking an extremely complex topic and making it both interesting and approachable for the lay reader.”
“It is refreshing to read an anthropological treatise that does not condescend to its audience, and David Graeber’s Debt is no exception…Graeber has produced a brilliant book which should be compulsory reading for anyone with even a passing interest in the origins of money and finance.”
“Debt – The First 5,000 Years”
