A Farewell to Alms. A Brief Economic History of the World presented by Professor Gregory Clark, University of California, Davis

Start date 4-Aug-08 - 5:30 PM
End date n/a
Venue Coles Theatre
Address
200 Liecester St
Carlton, Vic
Australia
[ Gmaps marker icon ]
Status Open
RSVP 30-Jul-08
Cost complimentary
Contact Felicity Koch
Registration No longer accepting registrations

 

Professor Gregory Clark, Chair of the Economics Department at the University of California, Davis will present an overview of his fascinating new book, A Farewell to Alms: A Brief Economic History of the World.  Our own Professor Geoffrey Blainey will give the vote of thanks on the evening.
Greg set out to understand one of the great fundamental puzzles of human existence in writing this book and it completely changed his view of history.

Why was the Industrial Revolution delayed 100,000 years; why are there incredible differences between rich and poor societies in the modern world? … [This] is a question where people, anyone, can actually understand why it’s a puzzle, what some of the answers are, why it’s so difficult  …”    Greg Clark 7 Dec 2007.

Come and hear Greg explore ideas from his book including the following influences on economic history:

  • How English squalor helped growth in the Malthusian World.
  • Does growth derive only from two sources or is it all about improving   technology?
  • Is there really a crucial turning point in history or has it been a gradual process since the Middle Ages?
  • Who makes money from innovation?
  • So why was it that the lowest-skilled workers gained more? 
  • Why did height of the Irish and their consumption of potatoes make a difference?

  • Why did India limp along in the textile industry given their labour-cost advantages?

View the full podcast interview with Gregory Clark conducted by Chris Gondek discussing his book (click to view podcast) or visit Greg Clark's website