Main description: Why did sustained economic growth arise in Europe rather than in China? The authors combine economic theory and historical evidence to argue that political processes drove the economic divergence between the two world regions, with continued consequences today that become clear...

Intro -- Contents -- Preface -- Introduction: Miracles, Myths, and Explanations in Economic History -- 1. Space and Politics -- 2. Population, Resources, and Economic Growth -- 3. Formal and Informal Mechanisms for Market Development -- 4. Warfare, Location of Manufacturing, and Economic Growth...

Propagation of rule: a theory of economic success and stagnation -- The propagation of rule -- Historical origins of rule propagation -- Applying the theory: why the West got rich and the Middle East did not -- Bans on taking interest -- Restrictions on the printing press -- Printing & the...

For centuries following the spread of Islam, the Middle East was far ahead of Europe. Yet, the modern economy was born in Europe. Why was it not born in the Middle East? In this book Jared Rubin examines the role that Islam played in this reversal of fortunes. It argues that the religion itself...