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The Next Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy
'Endlessly insightful and full of surprises - exactly what you would expect from Tim Harford'
BILL BRYSON
'Entertaining . . . A lively introduction to some of the most ingenious, yet often overlooked inventions that have changed the way we live' The Times
'Every Tim Harford book is cause for celebration'
MALCOLM GLADWELL
'Harford is a fine, perceptive writer, and an effortless explainer of tricky concepts. His book teems with good things, and will expand the mind of anyone lucky enough to read it' Daily Mail
In Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy, the revolutionary, acclaimed book, radio series and podcast, bestselling economist Tim Harford introduced us to a selection of fifty radical inventions that changed the world.
Now, in this new book, Harford once again brings us an array of remarkable, memorable, curious and often unexpected 'things' - inventions that teach us lessons by turns intimate and sweeping about the complex world economy we live in today.
From the brick, blockchain and the bicycle to fire, the factory and fundraising, and from solar PV and the pencil to the postage stamp, this brilliant and enlightening collection resonates, fascinates and stimulates. It is a wonderful blend of insight and inspiration from one of Britain's finest non-fiction storytellers.
BILL BRYSON
'Entertaining . . . A lively introduction to some of the most ingenious, yet often overlooked inventions that have changed the way we live' The Times
'Every Tim Harford book is cause for celebration'
MALCOLM GLADWELL
'Harford is a fine, perceptive writer, and an effortless explainer of tricky concepts. His book teems with good things, and will expand the mind of anyone lucky enough to read it' Daily Mail
In Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy, the revolutionary, acclaimed book, radio series and podcast, bestselling economist Tim Harford introduced us to a selection of fifty radical inventions that changed the world.
Now, in this new book, Harford once again brings us an array of remarkable, memorable, curious and often unexpected 'things' - inventions that teach us lessons by turns intimate and sweeping about the complex world economy we live in today.
From the brick, blockchain and the bicycle to fire, the factory and fundraising, and from solar PV and the pencil to the postage stamp, this brilliant and enlightening collection resonates, fascinates and stimulates. It is a wonderful blend of insight and inspiration from one of Britain's finest non-fiction storytellers.
352 pages, Paperback
Published April 12, 2022
91 people are currently reading
1006 people want to read
About the author
Tim Harford
48 books1,860 followersTim Harford is a member of the Financial Times editorial board. His column, “The Undercover Economist”, which reveals the economic ideas behind everyday experiences, is published in the Financial Times and syndicated around the world. He is also the only economist in the world to run a problem page, “Dear Economist”, in which FT readers’ personal problems are answered tongue-in-cheek with the latest economic theory.
--from the author's website
--from the author's website
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
October 11, 2025
Igazából csak félig ismeretterjesztő - erre mindjárt visszatérek. Ezzel együtt remek. Harford szűk 300 oldalon bemutat 50 találmányt, ami nélkül a civilizációnk nem lenne olyan, mint amilyennek ismerjük. Ezek között vannak evidenciák, mint a tégla vagy az olaj, meg vannak olyasmik is, amelyek egészen biztosan nem jutnának eszünkbe, ha nekünk kéne efféle listákat összeállítani - például a Mikulás, az alkoholtilalom vagy a pornográfia. No most ha a 300-at elosztjuk 50-nel, akkor az eredmény: 6. Magyarán ennyi oldal jut egyetlen találmányra. Világos: ennyi idő alatt igen kevés dolgot lehet elmondani bármiről, következésképpen ha a konkrétan a giroszkópról vagy Singer varrógépéről akarunk megtudni dolgokat, akkor csalakozni fogunk. A kötet ugyanis ezen a téren nem terjeszt túl sok ismeretet, legfeljebb gusztust csinál ahhoz, hogy utána akarjunk olvasni a kérdéskörnek.
De Harford nem is ezzel a céllal írta ezt a könyvet. Röpke mikroesszéi a tárgyalt dolgokat inkább csak illusztrációnak használják, amivel be lehet mutatni a gazdaság szédítő komplexitását - a tényt, hogy az apró találmányok is váratlan spirálokat indíthatnak el, amelyek aztán egymáshoz kapcsolódva felfoghatatlanul bonyolult hálózatba rendeződnek. Itt van például ez a Ward-féle florárium:
Na, én erről a cuccról eddig egy mukkor sem hallottam, de ha hallottam volna, elintéztem volna annyival, hogy biztos boldoggá tett pár botanikust, és ennyi. Egy légmentesen zárt fadoboz üvegtetővel, nyilván praktikus, de nem a mérnöki munka hófödte csúcsa. Ugyanakkor ez a csoffadt izé totálisan átalakította a globális mezőgazdaságot: lehetővé tette, hogy bizonyos haszonnövények isten háta mögötti élőhelyükről kiáramoljanak és világszerte elterjedjenek. Köztük a kínafa is, amiből a kinint nyerjük ki - és ami konkrétan lehetővé tette, hogy a fehér ember ne haljon bele a hidegrázásba a trópusokon. Így segíti elő egy hülye láda a brit világbirodalom felemelkedését.
Na, hát ilyen érdekes dolgok vannak ebben a kötetben.
De Harford nem is ezzel a céllal írta ezt a könyvet. Röpke mikroesszéi a tárgyalt dolgokat inkább csak illusztrációnak használják, amivel be lehet mutatni a gazdaság szédítő komplexitását - a tényt, hogy az apró találmányok is váratlan spirálokat indíthatnak el, amelyek aztán egymáshoz kapcsolódva felfoghatatlanul bonyolult hálózatba rendeződnek. Itt van például ez a Ward-féle florárium:
Na, én erről a cuccról eddig egy mukkor sem hallottam, de ha hallottam volna, elintéztem volna annyival, hogy biztos boldoggá tett pár botanikust, és ennyi. Egy légmentesen zárt fadoboz üvegtetővel, nyilván praktikus, de nem a mérnöki munka hófödte csúcsa. Ugyanakkor ez a csoffadt izé totálisan átalakította a globális mezőgazdaságot: lehetővé tette, hogy bizonyos haszonnövények isten háta mögötti élőhelyükről kiáramoljanak és világszerte elterjedjenek. Köztük a kínafa is, amiből a kinint nyerjük ki - és ami konkrétan lehetővé tette, hogy a fehér ember ne haljon bele a hidegrázásba a trópusokon. Így segíti elő egy hülye láda a brit világbirodalom felemelkedését.
Na, hát ilyen érdekes dolgok vannak ebben a kötetben.
December 9, 2020
This is a delightful, eccentric, infinitely curious book - a great lumber room of objects, facts and reflections on our modern world. I've not read the earlier title, but am sorely tempted to double back and do so.
I was first drawn to this book as it seemed an obvious, and likely successful, outlet for the author's quirky way of viewing our world and talent for finding fascinating details in the most unlikely of places. Against that, I had a few reservations: isn't the whole point of a book (as opposed to say, wikipedia) that it contains a narrative thread? Might a list of 50 things sidestep the arduous but central task of authorship?
The answer to that was: Yes, the book does lack a central narrative. But - guess what - that turned out to be OK. I was listening on Audible (...my first foray into audio books - better late than never...), which made it a total delight to pick up, soak up a couple of outrageously interesting chapters - each one a dependable nine minutes long - and then put down again.
Each chapter follows this pattern: a historical anecdote at the start to lure you in, followed by basic coverage of the 'Thing' under examination, be that the pencil or the gyroscope or the factory. Then the author digresses fluently into what he really wants to discuss - some historical trend, or hidden history - for which the headline 'thing' is merely the gateway. And finally he rounds the chapter off with speculation about the future and an after-dinner-speech-style witticism to close it out.
For example, there's a fascinating chapter on solar photovoltaics - first we learn about the history of photovoltaic cells from unpromising beginnings to massive global industry. From there the author drifts into a more generalised discussion of the learning curve in industrial production: human ingenuity is such that a doubling of production leads, in most manufacturing industries, to a 15% drop in unit costs - which in turn allows production to increase again. Similarly in the chapter on fire, we go from a discussion of the role of fire through evolutionary history - a fascinating topic in itself - to an attempt to see parallels between forest fires and financial contagion. The formula works well in the main.
Personally I loved the early chapters as the author picks up everyday objects - the pencil, the brick - turns them around in his hand, looks at them from unusual angles and makes us reflect on (a) the centuries of forgotten innovation that turned them into what they are today and (b) the crazy, unremarked centrality they have in modern life.
The later chapters wander into more high tech territory, but the same points apply. Watch out particularly for the chapter on GPS: it is used in a far, far wider range of applications than I personally had realised, way beyond mobile phones and sat-navs. If that network of 24 US-military-owned satellites were ever to fail, the meltdown would be felt across logistics, stock markets and numerous other sectors. Modern society is extremely vulnerable to any outage in what is - frankly - a very vulnerable system. A solar flare, or a well-directed rocket attack, is all that's needed to upend global society.
A sense of vulnerability was, unexpectedly, one of my concluding feelings from this book. We know that our high tech innovations are vulnerable, but this book makes you realise how much engineering precision and sophistication goes into producing even the low tech, taken-for-granted objects of everyday life. Which in turn makes you realise just what a finely balanced and precarious thing the modern world, and the modern economy, has become. All of which goes to say: I really recommend this book.
I was first drawn to this book as it seemed an obvious, and likely successful, outlet for the author's quirky way of viewing our world and talent for finding fascinating details in the most unlikely of places. Against that, I had a few reservations: isn't the whole point of a book (as opposed to say, wikipedia) that it contains a narrative thread? Might a list of 50 things sidestep the arduous but central task of authorship?
The answer to that was: Yes, the book does lack a central narrative. But - guess what - that turned out to be OK. I was listening on Audible (...my first foray into audio books - better late than never...), which made it a total delight to pick up, soak up a couple of outrageously interesting chapters - each one a dependable nine minutes long - and then put down again.
Each chapter follows this pattern: a historical anecdote at the start to lure you in, followed by basic coverage of the 'Thing' under examination, be that the pencil or the gyroscope or the factory. Then the author digresses fluently into what he really wants to discuss - some historical trend, or hidden history - for which the headline 'thing' is merely the gateway. And finally he rounds the chapter off with speculation about the future and an after-dinner-speech-style witticism to close it out.
For example, there's a fascinating chapter on solar photovoltaics - first we learn about the history of photovoltaic cells from unpromising beginnings to massive global industry. From there the author drifts into a more generalised discussion of the learning curve in industrial production: human ingenuity is such that a doubling of production leads, in most manufacturing industries, to a 15% drop in unit costs - which in turn allows production to increase again. Similarly in the chapter on fire, we go from a discussion of the role of fire through evolutionary history - a fascinating topic in itself - to an attempt to see parallels between forest fires and financial contagion. The formula works well in the main.
Personally I loved the early chapters as the author picks up everyday objects - the pencil, the brick - turns them around in his hand, looks at them from unusual angles and makes us reflect on (a) the centuries of forgotten innovation that turned them into what they are today and (b) the crazy, unremarked centrality they have in modern life.
The later chapters wander into more high tech territory, but the same points apply. Watch out particularly for the chapter on GPS: it is used in a far, far wider range of applications than I personally had realised, way beyond mobile phones and sat-navs. If that network of 24 US-military-owned satellites were ever to fail, the meltdown would be felt across logistics, stock markets and numerous other sectors. Modern society is extremely vulnerable to any outage in what is - frankly - a very vulnerable system. A solar flare, or a well-directed rocket attack, is all that's needed to upend global society.
A sense of vulnerability was, unexpectedly, one of my concluding feelings from this book. We know that our high tech innovations are vulnerable, but this book makes you realise how much engineering precision and sophistication goes into producing even the low tech, taken-for-granted objects of everyday life. Which in turn makes you realise just what a finely balanced and precarious thing the modern world, and the modern economy, has become. All of which goes to say: I really recommend this book.
November 5, 2020
As I mentioned in my review of the 2017 hardback version of Fifty Inventions the Shaped the Modern Economy, a few months ago my local bookstore had the latter in its Specials pile; at the same time as this 2020 paperback follow-up book, and that I was intrigued enough by the three year gap in publications on more or less the same subject, so that I purchased both in order to compare the two and perhaps make some sense of what is meant when one talks about the economy.
[Clarification for the perplexed: Fifty Inventions that Shaped the Modern Economy in the US is apparently Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy in the UK; whereas The Next Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy in the UK is translated in the Kindle hardcover copy as Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy Series Two. See the last three paragraphs of my review of Fifty Inventions that Shaped the Modern Economy for more…]
On one level, this 2020 issue is much of a muchness with its earlier 2017 companion — more easy-to-read stories relating to the economic aspects so endearing and unquestioned especially to First World countries. And yet, there is something a bit different here. If indeed my interpretation of the earlier book is correct, that while possibly acknowledging that while there might be difficulties in the “process” of our economies, our cleverness at fixing them up will see us through, then in this book there is more of a sense that, even so, perhaps we might have to reconsider where we are at after all…
I’m taking my cue from the better structuring of the headings of this book. Here the Introduction is in fact the same as Narrative number 1 (“The Pencil”); the remaining Fifty-One (sic) Narratives are divided among eight Sections (with none of the Section Headings having their own “introduction”, as in the 2017 book). The last two Section headings (VII: “No Planet B”, and VIII: “Our Robot Overlords”) suggest that perhaps we will need to reconsider some of our preconceptions of just how well “the economy” is… Narrative 51 of Section VIII is titled “Chess Algorithms”; its concluding paragraph reads:
“In the pages of this book we’ve seen many reasons not to worry when technology makes jobs obsolete … What we don’t know is if this time is different — because we don’t know whether the very idea of a ‘non-routine’ task is starting to disappear. We are learning that step-by-step can take you a very long way when you don’t, as Alan Turing did, need to plan each of those steps with a piece of paper and a humble pencil.”
Here the use of the “humble pencil” takes the reader back to Narrative number 1 (“The Pencil”). Harford is still “optimistic” — even if that means we might need to back to the beginnings of the Digital Age and start all over again, step by step, using paper and pencil. It may not be all that straightforward… I like that tinge of uncertainty. It seems to be more in accord with our uncertain times.
So has all this helped in my better understanding of the economy? Yes, and No. Etymologically, “economy” means “house management” and this can be interpreted in a number of ways. It suggests that there are many things which relate to an economy (when people refer to the economy, the definite article suggests that there is only one such entity; in fact there must be as many such economies as there are groups of people gathered together for whatever reason). Multiplicity is the rule; so “the economy” needs to be specified if it is to make sense. And when economies are in operation from different levels and localities, especially now in the Digital Age, each different economy is influenced by every other economy, almost instantaneously, whether that influence is good or not becomes an iffy subject.
Major moral or ethical values seem to be particularly absent in Harford’s books, so the slant is more oriented toward a self-congratulating assuagement for the better off. Too bad if you don’t fit into that category.
But “to economise” is a verb which implies thrift — the opposite of profligacy and extravagance (and most people I would argue would consider those last two adjectives as being perfectly indicative of what they might mean by a rich, vibrant and thriving economy!)
Furthermore, all economies affect all other economies in various ways all the time; so if there is any “shaping” of today’s economy in (insert country, state, etc.) one would tend to think every day will result in a different “shape”. Whatever “shaping” we have is done at such a rate that every trade decision, international treaty, emigration policy, judicial ruling, educational system, etc. etc. would render any specific location’s or group’s economic shape as being essentially “shapeless”.
My conclusion is that in the end everybody thinks they know exactly what an economy is, and they all will sit and pontificate authoritatively about it, when in fact nobody really knows what it is at all. But that probably says more about my own ignorance than anything else.
[Clarification for the perplexed: Fifty Inventions that Shaped the Modern Economy in the US is apparently Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy in the UK; whereas The Next Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy in the UK is translated in the Kindle hardcover copy as Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy Series Two. See the last three paragraphs of my review of Fifty Inventions that Shaped the Modern Economy for more…]
On one level, this 2020 issue is much of a muchness with its earlier 2017 companion — more easy-to-read stories relating to the economic aspects so endearing and unquestioned especially to First World countries. And yet, there is something a bit different here. If indeed my interpretation of the earlier book is correct, that while possibly acknowledging that while there might be difficulties in the “process” of our economies, our cleverness at fixing them up will see us through, then in this book there is more of a sense that, even so, perhaps we might have to reconsider where we are at after all…
I’m taking my cue from the better structuring of the headings of this book. Here the Introduction is in fact the same as Narrative number 1 (“The Pencil”); the remaining Fifty-One (sic) Narratives are divided among eight Sections (with none of the Section Headings having their own “introduction”, as in the 2017 book). The last two Section headings (VII: “No Planet B”, and VIII: “Our Robot Overlords”) suggest that perhaps we will need to reconsider some of our preconceptions of just how well “the economy” is… Narrative 51 of Section VIII is titled “Chess Algorithms”; its concluding paragraph reads:
“In the pages of this book we’ve seen many reasons not to worry when technology makes jobs obsolete … What we don’t know is if this time is different — because we don’t know whether the very idea of a ‘non-routine’ task is starting to disappear. We are learning that step-by-step can take you a very long way when you don’t, as Alan Turing did, need to plan each of those steps with a piece of paper and a humble pencil.”
Here the use of the “humble pencil” takes the reader back to Narrative number 1 (“The Pencil”). Harford is still “optimistic” — even if that means we might need to back to the beginnings of the Digital Age and start all over again, step by step, using paper and pencil. It may not be all that straightforward… I like that tinge of uncertainty. It seems to be more in accord with our uncertain times.
So has all this helped in my better understanding of the economy? Yes, and No. Etymologically, “economy” means “house management” and this can be interpreted in a number of ways. It suggests that there are many things which relate to an economy (when people refer to the economy, the definite article suggests that there is only one such entity; in fact there must be as many such economies as there are groups of people gathered together for whatever reason). Multiplicity is the rule; so “the economy” needs to be specified if it is to make sense. And when economies are in operation from different levels and localities, especially now in the Digital Age, each different economy is influenced by every other economy, almost instantaneously, whether that influence is good or not becomes an iffy subject.
Major moral or ethical values seem to be particularly absent in Harford’s books, so the slant is more oriented toward a self-congratulating assuagement for the better off. Too bad if you don’t fit into that category.
But “to economise” is a verb which implies thrift — the opposite of profligacy and extravagance (and most people I would argue would consider those last two adjectives as being perfectly indicative of what they might mean by a rich, vibrant and thriving economy!)
Furthermore, all economies affect all other economies in various ways all the time; so if there is any “shaping” of today’s economy in (insert country, state, etc.) one would tend to think every day will result in a different “shape”. Whatever “shaping” we have is done at such a rate that every trade decision, international treaty, emigration policy, judicial ruling, educational system, etc. etc. would render any specific location’s or group’s economic shape as being essentially “shapeless”.
My conclusion is that in the end everybody thinks they know exactly what an economy is, and they all will sit and pontificate authoritatively about it, when in fact nobody really knows what it is at all. But that probably says more about my own ignorance than anything else.
August 29, 2023
Not as good as the first one but still worth reading.
February 3, 2022
I read Tim Harford’s book “Fifty Inventions That Shaped the Modern Economy” back in 2018 and this sister edition “the next fifty things that made the modern economy” was given to me for Christmas 2021.
As you can imagine the books are very simpler, but highlight different inventions and subject matter. In this book, Tim covers, the pencil, bricks, canned food, credit cards, CCTV, QWERTY keyboard, etc, etc. All subject areas are all well researched as you would expect by Tim Harford. Tim writes with his tongue ever so slightly with his tongue in his cheek, so it’s serious if a little light hearted book
As you can imagine the books are very simpler, but highlight different inventions and subject matter. In this book, Tim covers, the pencil, bricks, canned food, credit cards, CCTV, QWERTY keyboard, etc, etc. All subject areas are all well researched as you would expect by Tim Harford. Tim writes with his tongue ever so slightly with his tongue in his cheek, so it’s serious if a little light hearted book
May 23, 2022
I liked his first book in this series better, this one seemed a bit like "the 50 things that did not make the first book" i.e. leftovers. I liked the saying from intro that this book does not list the 50 most important things from economy perspective but rather those that had unconvential stories and this should provoke you to "think different" about the economy. If you take this book as leisure reading (i.e. Freakonomics style) then this is what you will get and will not be disappointed. But it seemed to me that the author also tried to build some bigger thematic narrative between those stories and this was very conventional and did not deliver anything intriguing in my view.
March 6, 2021
I really enjoy Tim Harford's books, easy to read and I always learn interesting facts and insights from him. Definitely worth the time!
December 4, 2023
don't read two pop econ books in the same go, the soul withers
January 13, 2025
Overview
"The Next Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy" by Tim Harford is a fascinating exploration of fifty additional inventions that have significantly influenced the modern world. Following the success of his previous book, Harford delves into a diverse array of innovations, from the brick and blockchain to the bicycle and fire. Each chapter provides a historical anecdote to captivate the reader, followed by an insightful examination of the invention's impact on the economy and society. Harford's engaging storytelling and ability to uncover the unexpected significance of everyday objects make this book both educational and entertaining.
The book is not just a list of inventions but a collection of stories that highlight the intricate ways these innovations have shaped our lives. Harford's narrative style brings to life the often-overlooked details and unintended consequences of these inventions, offering readers a deeper understanding of the complex economic landscape we navigate today. Whether it's the factory, fundraising, solar panels, or the postage stamp, each invention is presented with wit and clarity, making complex economic concepts accessible and enjoyable.
Synopsis
The book has a very rich content. The various chapters can be summarised as follows.
Introduction
1. The Pencil: The pencil is a symbol of the complex global supply chain and the power of free markets, illustrating how numerous components from different parts of the world come together to create a simple yet essential tool.
I. Deceptively Simple
2. Bricks: Bricks have been fundamental in construction for thousands of years, providing a durable and versatile building material that has enabled the development of cities and infrastructure.
3. The Factory: Factories revolutionised production by enabling mass manufacturing, which significantly increased efficiency, lowered costs, and spurred economic growth during the Industrial Revolution.
4. The Postage Stamp: The postage stamp simplified and democratised communication by making it affordable and reliable, thus facilitating commerce and personal correspondence across distances.
5. Bicycles: Bicycles offer an affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, contributing to urban mobility and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
6. Spectacles: Spectacles improve vision, which enhances productivity and quality of life, enabling people to work, learn, and navigate their environments more effectively.
7. Canned Food: Canned food revolutionised food preservation, allowing for long-term storage and transportation of perishable goods, which has been crucial for military logistics and global food distribution.
8. Auctions: Auctions provide a transparent and efficient method for price discovery and asset allocation, playing a vital role in markets ranging from art to real estate and government contracts.
II. Selling the Dream
9. Tulips: The tulip mania of the 17th century in the Netherlands is one of the earliest recorded economic bubbles, highlighting the impact of speculative trading and market psychology on economies.
10. Queen's Ware: Josiah Wedgwood's Queen's Ware revolutionised pottery by making high-quality ceramics affordable to the middle class, thus democratising luxury goods and boosting industrial production.
11. The Bonsack Machine: This machine automated cigarette production, drastically reducing costs and increasing supply, which transformed the tobacco industry and spurred the growth of mass marketing.
12. The Sewing Machine: The sewing machine significantly increased productivity in the textile industry, making clothing more affordable and accessible, and contributing to the rise of the ready-to-wear fashion industry.
13. The Mail-Order Catalogue: Mail-order catalogues expanded consumer access to a wide range of goods, particularly in rural areas, and played a crucial role in the development of modern retail and distribution networks.
14. Fast-Food Franchises: Fast-food franchises standardised food production and service, creating a scalable business model that has become a major part of the global economy, providing jobs and convenient dining options.
15. Fundraising Appeals: Effective fundraising appeals have enabled nonprofits to secure the necessary resources to support their missions, fostering community engagement and driving social change.
16. Santa Claus: Santa Claus has become a powerful symbol of consumerism and global marketing, significantly influencing holiday spending and the commercialisation of Christmas.
III. Moving Money
17. SWIFT: The SWIFT system is crucial for global finance, enabling secure and efficient international money transfers and communication between financial institutions, thus facilitating global trade and economic activity.
18. Credit Cards: Credit cards drive economic activity by providing consumers with a convenient way to make purchases and businesses with a reliable payment method, thereby boosting consumer spending and economic growth.
19. Stock Options: Stock options offer companies a way to attract and retain talent by providing employees with a stake in the company's success, aligning their interests with those of shareholders and enhancing corporate performance.
20. The Vickrey Turnstile: Although never implemented, the Vickrey Turnstile proposed a novel solution for managing congestion in public transportation systems, highlighting the potential of economic principles to solve real-world problems.
21. The Blockchain: Blockchain technology enhances the security and transparency of transactions, reduces costs, and has the potential to revolutionise various industries by enabling decentralised and tamper-proof record-keeping.
IV. Invisible Systems
22. Interchangeable Parts: Interchangeable parts revolutionised manufacturing by allowing for mass production, reducing costs, and simplifying repairs, which laid the foundation for modern industrial practices.
23. RFID: RFID technology enhances efficiency and security across various sectors by enabling real-time tracking and identification of objects, which improves inventory management and reduces operational costs.
24. The Interface Message Processor: The Interface Message Processor was crucial in the development of the ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet, by enabling reliable communication between computers, thus laying the groundwork for today's global digital economy.
25. GPS: GPS technology provides precise positioning, navigation, and timing, which is essential for various applications from navigation to logistics, significantly boosting productivity and efficiency across multiple industries.
V. Secrets and Lies
26. The Movable-Type Printing Press: This invention democratised knowledge by making books and printed materials widely accessible, spurring the Renaissance, Reformation, and the spread of scientific ideas, which laid the foundation for modern economies.
27. Menstrual Pads: Menstrual pads have significantly improved women's health and hygiene, enabling greater participation in education and the workforce, thus contributing to economic productivity and gender equality.
28. CCTV: CCTV systems enhance security and monitoring capabilities, reducing crime and increasing safety in public and private spaces, which supports economic stability and business operations.
29. Pornography: The pornography industry has been a major driver of technological adoption and innovation, particularly in internet and media technologies, influencing the development of online payment systems and streaming services.
30. Prohibition: Prohibition in the United States led to unintended economic consequences, including the loss of tax revenue, the rise of illegal markets, and the growth of organised crime, highlighting the complexities of regulatory policies.
31. 'Like' Button: The 'Like' button revolutionised social media by enabling easy user engagement and data collection, which has driven advertising revenue and influenced online behaviour and content creation.
VI: Working Together
32. Cassava Processing: Cassava processing increases the shelf life and marketability of this staple crop, creating employment opportunities and contributing to food security and economic stability in many developing regions.
33. Pensions: Pensions provide financial security for retirees, stimulate economic activity through increased consumption, and contribute to social stability by reducing poverty among the elderly.
34. QWERTY: The QWERTY keyboard layout became the standard for typewriters and computers, facilitating widespread adoption and standardisation in offices and homes, which enhanced productivity and communication.
35. The Langstroth Hive: This beehive design revolutionized beekeeping by allowing for efficient honey production and better colony management, significantly boosting agricultural productivity through improved pollination.
36. Dams: Dams provide essential benefits such as water supply, hydroelectric power, flood control, and irrigation, which support economic development and improve quality of life.
VII: No Planet B
37. Fire: Fire was fundamental in human development, providing heat, light, and a means to cook food, which enabled early humans to thrive and eventually build complex societies.
38. Oil: Oil has been a critical energy source, driving industrialization, transportation, and modern economies by powering machinery, vehicles, and generating electricity.
39. Vulcanisation: Vulcanisation improved the durability and elasticity of rubber, making it essential for products like tires, which are crucial for transportation and various industrial applications.
40. The Wardian Case: The Wardian Case revolutionized the transportation of plants, enabling global agricultural trade and the spread of economically important crops.
41. Cellophane: Cellophane transformed food packaging by providing a transparent, flexible, and moisture-resistant material, which improved food preservation and retail presentation.
42. Recycling: Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces waste, and lowers energy consumption, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.
43. Dwarf Wheat: Dwarf wheat varieties increased agricultural productivity and food security by providing higher yields and resistance to lodging, which was crucial during the Green Revolution.
44. Solar Photovoltaics: Solar photovoltaics generate clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
VIII: Our Robot Overlords
45. The Hollerith Punch-Card Machine: This machine revolutionised data processing by automating the tabulation of information, laying the groundwork for modern computing and the information technology industry.
46. The Gyroscope: Gyroscopes are essential for navigation and stabilisation in various applications, from smartphones to spacecraft, significantly enhancing precision and reliability in technology and transportation.
47. Spreadsheets: Spreadsheets transformed business operations by enabling efficient data organisation, analysis, and visualisation, which are crucial for decision-making and financial management.
48. The Chatbot: Chatbots streamline customer service and automate routine tasks, reducing operational costs and improving customer satisfaction, thereby enhancing business efficiency.
49. The CubeSat: CubeSats democratised space exploration by providing a low-cost platform for scientific research and technology development, accelerating innovation in the space industry.
50. The Slot Machine: Slot machines are a major revenue source for casinos, driving the profitability of the gambling industry through their high hold percentages and engaging features.
51. Chess Algorithms: Chess algorithms have advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning, providing insights into strategic thinking and problem-solving that extend beyond the game of chess.
Why you should read it?
Tim Harford's book is a captivating read because it takes complex economic theories and presents them in a way that is both accessible and engaging. By focusing on great innovations, Harford manages to demystify the often intimidating world of economics, making it relatable to a broad audience. His ability to translate the intricate research of Nobel Prize-winning economists into simple, understandable terms is a testament to his skill as a communicator.
Moreover, Harford's writing style is both informative and entertaining, which makes the book a pleasure to read. He goes beyond merely describing various inventions; he weaves in stories and insights that highlight the impact of these innovations on our daily lives. By blending education with entertainment, Harford ensures that readers come away with a deeper understanding of economics without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon.
Critics and review
"The Next Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy" by Tim Harford has generally received positive reviews. On Goodreads, the book holds a rating of 4.08 out of 5 based on 393 ratings. Reviewers have praised Harford's engaging storytelling and his ability to make complex economic concepts accessible and entertaining. However, some critics have noted that the book lacks a central narrative thread, which might make it feel more like a collection of essays rather than a cohesive story.
The book's success can be attributed to Harford's reputation for thorough research and his talent for presenting economic history in a compelling manner. His previous works, including "The Undercover Economist" and "Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy," have also been well-received, cementing his status as a popular and respected author in the field of economics.
Verdict
Tim Harford's book is a masterful blend of education and entertainment, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the world of economics through the lens of innovation. Harford's ability to simplify complex theories and present them in an engaging, relatable manner ensures that readers not only grasp important economic concepts but also enjoy the journey of discovery. His use of real-world examples and storytelling transforms potentially dry subject matter into a fascinating narrative, making the book both enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable.
About the author
Tim Harford, often known as "The Undercover Economist," is a renowned British economist, journalist, and broadcaster. Born on September 27, 1973, in Kent, Harford was educated at Oxford, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and a Master of Philosophy in Economics. Interestingly, Harford initially planned to drop economics during his undergraduate studies but was persuaded otherwise by his tutor, Peter Sinclair. This decision clearly paid off, as Harford has since become a prominent voice in explaining economic concepts to the public.
Harford's career is marked by his engaging writing and broadcasting style. He writes a long-running column for the Financial Times called "The Undercover Economist" and has authored several best-selling books, including "The Undercover Economist," "Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure," "Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives," and "How to Make the World Add Up". His work often explores the hidden economic principles behind everyday phenomena, blending rigorous analysis with compelling storytelling.
"The Next Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy" by Tim Harford is a fascinating exploration of fifty additional inventions that have significantly influenced the modern world. Following the success of his previous book, Harford delves into a diverse array of innovations, from the brick and blockchain to the bicycle and fire. Each chapter provides a historical anecdote to captivate the reader, followed by an insightful examination of the invention's impact on the economy and society. Harford's engaging storytelling and ability to uncover the unexpected significance of everyday objects make this book both educational and entertaining.
The book is not just a list of inventions but a collection of stories that highlight the intricate ways these innovations have shaped our lives. Harford's narrative style brings to life the often-overlooked details and unintended consequences of these inventions, offering readers a deeper understanding of the complex economic landscape we navigate today. Whether it's the factory, fundraising, solar panels, or the postage stamp, each invention is presented with wit and clarity, making complex economic concepts accessible and enjoyable.
Synopsis
The book has a very rich content. The various chapters can be summarised as follows.
Introduction
1. The Pencil: The pencil is a symbol of the complex global supply chain and the power of free markets, illustrating how numerous components from different parts of the world come together to create a simple yet essential tool.
I. Deceptively Simple
2. Bricks: Bricks have been fundamental in construction for thousands of years, providing a durable and versatile building material that has enabled the development of cities and infrastructure.
3. The Factory: Factories revolutionised production by enabling mass manufacturing, which significantly increased efficiency, lowered costs, and spurred economic growth during the Industrial Revolution.
4. The Postage Stamp: The postage stamp simplified and democratised communication by making it affordable and reliable, thus facilitating commerce and personal correspondence across distances.
5. Bicycles: Bicycles offer an affordable, efficient, and environmentally friendly mode of transportation, contributing to urban mobility and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
6. Spectacles: Spectacles improve vision, which enhances productivity and quality of life, enabling people to work, learn, and navigate their environments more effectively.
7. Canned Food: Canned food revolutionised food preservation, allowing for long-term storage and transportation of perishable goods, which has been crucial for military logistics and global food distribution.
8. Auctions: Auctions provide a transparent and efficient method for price discovery and asset allocation, playing a vital role in markets ranging from art to real estate and government contracts.
II. Selling the Dream
9. Tulips: The tulip mania of the 17th century in the Netherlands is one of the earliest recorded economic bubbles, highlighting the impact of speculative trading and market psychology on economies.
10. Queen's Ware: Josiah Wedgwood's Queen's Ware revolutionised pottery by making high-quality ceramics affordable to the middle class, thus democratising luxury goods and boosting industrial production.
11. The Bonsack Machine: This machine automated cigarette production, drastically reducing costs and increasing supply, which transformed the tobacco industry and spurred the growth of mass marketing.
12. The Sewing Machine: The sewing machine significantly increased productivity in the textile industry, making clothing more affordable and accessible, and contributing to the rise of the ready-to-wear fashion industry.
13. The Mail-Order Catalogue: Mail-order catalogues expanded consumer access to a wide range of goods, particularly in rural areas, and played a crucial role in the development of modern retail and distribution networks.
14. Fast-Food Franchises: Fast-food franchises standardised food production and service, creating a scalable business model that has become a major part of the global economy, providing jobs and convenient dining options.
15. Fundraising Appeals: Effective fundraising appeals have enabled nonprofits to secure the necessary resources to support their missions, fostering community engagement and driving social change.
16. Santa Claus: Santa Claus has become a powerful symbol of consumerism and global marketing, significantly influencing holiday spending and the commercialisation of Christmas.
III. Moving Money
17. SWIFT: The SWIFT system is crucial for global finance, enabling secure and efficient international money transfers and communication between financial institutions, thus facilitating global trade and economic activity.
18. Credit Cards: Credit cards drive economic activity by providing consumers with a convenient way to make purchases and businesses with a reliable payment method, thereby boosting consumer spending and economic growth.
19. Stock Options: Stock options offer companies a way to attract and retain talent by providing employees with a stake in the company's success, aligning their interests with those of shareholders and enhancing corporate performance.
20. The Vickrey Turnstile: Although never implemented, the Vickrey Turnstile proposed a novel solution for managing congestion in public transportation systems, highlighting the potential of economic principles to solve real-world problems.
21. The Blockchain: Blockchain technology enhances the security and transparency of transactions, reduces costs, and has the potential to revolutionise various industries by enabling decentralised and tamper-proof record-keeping.
IV. Invisible Systems
22. Interchangeable Parts: Interchangeable parts revolutionised manufacturing by allowing for mass production, reducing costs, and simplifying repairs, which laid the foundation for modern industrial practices.
23. RFID: RFID technology enhances efficiency and security across various sectors by enabling real-time tracking and identification of objects, which improves inventory management and reduces operational costs.
24. The Interface Message Processor: The Interface Message Processor was crucial in the development of the ARPANET, the precursor to the modern internet, by enabling reliable communication between computers, thus laying the groundwork for today's global digital economy.
25. GPS: GPS technology provides precise positioning, navigation, and timing, which is essential for various applications from navigation to logistics, significantly boosting productivity and efficiency across multiple industries.
V. Secrets and Lies
26. The Movable-Type Printing Press: This invention democratised knowledge by making books and printed materials widely accessible, spurring the Renaissance, Reformation, and the spread of scientific ideas, which laid the foundation for modern economies.
27. Menstrual Pads: Menstrual pads have significantly improved women's health and hygiene, enabling greater participation in education and the workforce, thus contributing to economic productivity and gender equality.
28. CCTV: CCTV systems enhance security and monitoring capabilities, reducing crime and increasing safety in public and private spaces, which supports economic stability and business operations.
29. Pornography: The pornography industry has been a major driver of technological adoption and innovation, particularly in internet and media technologies, influencing the development of online payment systems and streaming services.
30. Prohibition: Prohibition in the United States led to unintended economic consequences, including the loss of tax revenue, the rise of illegal markets, and the growth of organised crime, highlighting the complexities of regulatory policies.
31. 'Like' Button: The 'Like' button revolutionised social media by enabling easy user engagement and data collection, which has driven advertising revenue and influenced online behaviour and content creation.
VI: Working Together
32. Cassava Processing: Cassava processing increases the shelf life and marketability of this staple crop, creating employment opportunities and contributing to food security and economic stability in many developing regions.
33. Pensions: Pensions provide financial security for retirees, stimulate economic activity through increased consumption, and contribute to social stability by reducing poverty among the elderly.
34. QWERTY: The QWERTY keyboard layout became the standard for typewriters and computers, facilitating widespread adoption and standardisation in offices and homes, which enhanced productivity and communication.
35. The Langstroth Hive: This beehive design revolutionized beekeeping by allowing for efficient honey production and better colony management, significantly boosting agricultural productivity through improved pollination.
36. Dams: Dams provide essential benefits such as water supply, hydroelectric power, flood control, and irrigation, which support economic development and improve quality of life.
VII: No Planet B
37. Fire: Fire was fundamental in human development, providing heat, light, and a means to cook food, which enabled early humans to thrive and eventually build complex societies.
38. Oil: Oil has been a critical energy source, driving industrialization, transportation, and modern economies by powering machinery, vehicles, and generating electricity.
39. Vulcanisation: Vulcanisation improved the durability and elasticity of rubber, making it essential for products like tires, which are crucial for transportation and various industrial applications.
40. The Wardian Case: The Wardian Case revolutionized the transportation of plants, enabling global agricultural trade and the spread of economically important crops.
41. Cellophane: Cellophane transformed food packaging by providing a transparent, flexible, and moisture-resistant material, which improved food preservation and retail presentation.
42. Recycling: Recycling conserves natural resources, reduces waste, and lowers energy consumption, contributing to environmental sustainability and economic efficiency.
43. Dwarf Wheat: Dwarf wheat varieties increased agricultural productivity and food security by providing higher yields and resistance to lodging, which was crucial during the Green Revolution.
44. Solar Photovoltaics: Solar photovoltaics generate clean, renewable energy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and contributing to sustainable economic growth and environmental protection.
VIII: Our Robot Overlords
45. The Hollerith Punch-Card Machine: This machine revolutionised data processing by automating the tabulation of information, laying the groundwork for modern computing and the information technology industry.
46. The Gyroscope: Gyroscopes are essential for navigation and stabilisation in various applications, from smartphones to spacecraft, significantly enhancing precision and reliability in technology and transportation.
47. Spreadsheets: Spreadsheets transformed business operations by enabling efficient data organisation, analysis, and visualisation, which are crucial for decision-making and financial management.
48. The Chatbot: Chatbots streamline customer service and automate routine tasks, reducing operational costs and improving customer satisfaction, thereby enhancing business efficiency.
49. The CubeSat: CubeSats democratised space exploration by providing a low-cost platform for scientific research and technology development, accelerating innovation in the space industry.
50. The Slot Machine: Slot machines are a major revenue source for casinos, driving the profitability of the gambling industry through their high hold percentages and engaging features.
51. Chess Algorithms: Chess algorithms have advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning, providing insights into strategic thinking and problem-solving that extend beyond the game of chess.
Why you should read it?
Tim Harford's book is a captivating read because it takes complex economic theories and presents them in a way that is both accessible and engaging. By focusing on great innovations, Harford manages to demystify the often intimidating world of economics, making it relatable to a broad audience. His ability to translate the intricate research of Nobel Prize-winning economists into simple, understandable terms is a testament to his skill as a communicator.
Moreover, Harford's writing style is both informative and entertaining, which makes the book a pleasure to read. He goes beyond merely describing various inventions; he weaves in stories and insights that highlight the impact of these innovations on our daily lives. By blending education with entertainment, Harford ensures that readers come away with a deeper understanding of economics without feeling overwhelmed by technical jargon.
Critics and review
"The Next Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy" by Tim Harford has generally received positive reviews. On Goodreads, the book holds a rating of 4.08 out of 5 based on 393 ratings. Reviewers have praised Harford's engaging storytelling and his ability to make complex economic concepts accessible and entertaining. However, some critics have noted that the book lacks a central narrative thread, which might make it feel more like a collection of essays rather than a cohesive story.
The book's success can be attributed to Harford's reputation for thorough research and his talent for presenting economic history in a compelling manner. His previous works, including "The Undercover Economist" and "Fifty Things that Made the Modern Economy," have also been well-received, cementing his status as a popular and respected author in the field of economics.
Verdict
Tim Harford's book is a masterful blend of education and entertainment, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the world of economics through the lens of innovation. Harford's ability to simplify complex theories and present them in an engaging, relatable manner ensures that readers not only grasp important economic concepts but also enjoy the journey of discovery. His use of real-world examples and storytelling transforms potentially dry subject matter into a fascinating narrative, making the book both enlightening and thoroughly enjoyable.
About the author
Tim Harford, often known as "The Undercover Economist," is a renowned British economist, journalist, and broadcaster. Born on September 27, 1973, in Kent, Harford was educated at Oxford, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) and a Master of Philosophy in Economics. Interestingly, Harford initially planned to drop economics during his undergraduate studies but was persuaded otherwise by his tutor, Peter Sinclair. This decision clearly paid off, as Harford has since become a prominent voice in explaining economic concepts to the public.
Harford's career is marked by his engaging writing and broadcasting style. He writes a long-running column for the Financial Times called "The Undercover Economist" and has authored several best-selling books, including "The Undercover Economist," "Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure," "Messy: The Power of Disorder to Transform Our Lives," and "How to Make the World Add Up". His work often explores the hidden economic principles behind everyday phenomena, blending rigorous analysis with compelling storytelling.
July 4, 2022
Enjoyable read
I enjoyed reading this book, it provides a fresh perspective on the importance of some inventions we either forget or take for granted. It does however feel like a collection of disparate items, missed a bit a “master storyline” to keep the reader engaged
I enjoyed reading this book, it provides a fresh perspective on the importance of some inventions we either forget or take for granted. It does however feel like a collection of disparate items, missed a bit a “master storyline” to keep the reader engaged
January 17, 2025
3/5 stars
I picked up a copy of this book, as a follow-up to the "Fifty things that made the modern economy", from an author whose books I thoroughly enjoy reading. I am always hooked by fun facts and intrigued by origin stories. Tim Harford has a wonderful way of blending in story telling while conveying key themes. This time around, I did not find all of his 'things' as intriguing as the first 50 that I had read (as well as the audio podcast that I tuned into). However, with the goal of the book being to showcase how some inventions shaped, and still shape our lives in profound and unpredicted ways, there were definitely interesting anecdotes peppered in the story telling of the inventions.
Take for instance the story on the inventions of the bicycle and goodyear tires being inventions that were stumbled upon at a pub or while experimenting, or the fascinating adoption of the mail-order catalogue and popularity of credit cards. There is even a section on the 'singer sewing machine' and the 'CCTV' that have shocking origin stories from the inventors and their true character. The snippet style chapters provide short details, and while critics might argue that some of the writing feels rushed, it is overall an intriguing list of fun inventions to comb through. The writing style is simple and straight forward, and one can easily segment the reading into small chapters and fun facts, in order to complete the entire list in multiple sittings.
I picked up a copy of this book, as a follow-up to the "Fifty things that made the modern economy", from an author whose books I thoroughly enjoy reading. I am always hooked by fun facts and intrigued by origin stories. Tim Harford has a wonderful way of blending in story telling while conveying key themes. This time around, I did not find all of his 'things' as intriguing as the first 50 that I had read (as well as the audio podcast that I tuned into). However, with the goal of the book being to showcase how some inventions shaped, and still shape our lives in profound and unpredicted ways, there were definitely interesting anecdotes peppered in the story telling of the inventions.
Take for instance the story on the inventions of the bicycle and goodyear tires being inventions that were stumbled upon at a pub or while experimenting, or the fascinating adoption of the mail-order catalogue and popularity of credit cards. There is even a section on the 'singer sewing machine' and the 'CCTV' that have shocking origin stories from the inventors and their true character. The snippet style chapters provide short details, and while critics might argue that some of the writing feels rushed, it is overall an intriguing list of fun inventions to comb through. The writing style is simple and straight forward, and one can easily segment the reading into small chapters and fun facts, in order to complete the entire list in multiple sittings.
May 4, 2022
When I stop and consider the human-made world around me, I wonder who thought up the skyscraper. Or locks on waterways. Or suspension bridges. Who came up with these concepts that so often form an un-noticed background to our daily lives?
Here's the answer; to some of those questions, at least. In short, easy-to-read chapters, it describes how and why such concepts as the SWIFT financial system, canned food, cellophane and the QWERTY keyboard have become such an integral part of our modern world.
Fascinating.
Here's the answer; to some of those questions, at least. In short, easy-to-read chapters, it describes how and why such concepts as the SWIFT financial system, canned food, cellophane and the QWERTY keyboard have become such an integral part of our modern world.
Fascinating.
March 1, 2022
Harford creates context indicating how the inventions affected a country's economy. The book is interesting but not as good as his first book on inventions. This book reads like a collection of columns that have been roughly grouped in headings. In his earlier book the writing was more focused and the categories better framed.
May 19, 2023
This is a fascinating and entertaining book which is very easy to read. Every chapter features something everyone takes for granted in the modern world, and often barely thinks about, but it is a crucial part of the everyday economy. It makes you realise just how much our society is built upon the achievements of others.
September 17, 2020
This book is on my radar before it is even released.
I read the first book, The 50 Things which is superb.
While this book also gives me many insight, I already learned some of it somewhere else.
Nonetheless, Tim Harford's book never fail to enlight and entertain me.
I read the first book, The 50 Things which is superb.
While this book also gives me many insight, I already learned some of it somewhere else.
Nonetheless, Tim Harford's book never fail to enlight and entertain me.
November 27, 2022
Harford is a brilliantly engaging and this book is thoroughly enjoyable. Each chapter is short but full of fascinating information, from cube sats to the printing press, brick to the blockchain every page is a fountain of information and perspective.
December 1, 2022
A lot of interesting stories about famous inventions, page turner...but no coherent story or naming. E.g. last story "Chess algorithms" is really about AI in general based on the conclusions, but the story itself is too short and chess history-specific to come to these conclusions.
February 14, 2023
I like to start my mornings with a coffee and a book before work. This was perfect for that; the short and easy to read chapters were fascinating. I feel my understanding of the world has been enriched by this book, and I've been given an appreciation of how our economy is influenced and formed.
March 5, 2023
Fascinating insights into the modern world
Reassuring tales of technological change that pull out how innovations such as the spreadsheet replace jobs rather than destroy them. Concise and focused pieces of information that stimulate thought.
Reassuring tales of technological change that pull out how innovations such as the spreadsheet replace jobs rather than destroy them. Concise and focused pieces of information that stimulate thought.
May 24, 2021
Meh. Not as good as the first book and I skipped over some chapters that didn’t interest me. Some interesting facts came out though but nothing I really remember.
October 22, 2021
The list of 50 things was not as definitive as the first selection but did include very recent examples which was interesting.
December 5, 2021
Very interesting, with short chapters on diverse subjects.
December 26, 2021
Leuke kleine verhalen met veel feitjes
February 26, 2022
I'd listen to the podcast version instead, easier digested
March 17, 2022
Very interesting read - I would say it was even better than the first as the writing flowed more between chapters. 5 stars!
May 5, 2022
Liked it better than the first installment.
More tightly edited, often more novel angles and at least as good a list of inventions.
Lovely accent also.
More tightly edited, often more novel angles and at least as good a list of inventions.
Lovely accent also.
September 17, 2022
Freakonomics without the freakness basically. Loved every page. Learned a lot of cool fun facts that will be great dinner talk.
February 5, 2023
A bit like the fun of reading those children's encyclopaedias that described how things were invented. Also fun because it describes engineering and technology that has a huge effect but often isn't noticed.
March 17, 2023
casual read, can be done in a train journey
September 1, 2023
Boring - feels as though the author used up the best ideas in the first book!
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