Niall Ferguson's 'The Ascent of Money' reveals the pivotal role of finance in shaping the course of history. Exploring the evolution of money from ancient Mesopotamia to the modern era, Ferguson shows how economic forces have underpinned major historical events. Through engaging narrative, the reader is guided through the Renaissance market booms, the birth of the bond market in the Dutch republic, and the dark side of finance as seen in the French Revolution's bubble. Ferguson crystallizes complex financial concepts, making them accessible to the reader, and examines current financial systems, including their potential for crisis. This book is a masterful linkage of finance with the progress and follies of civilizations, providing insight into contemporary economic phenomena.