From the Stone Age to the birth of coinage, through the rise and fall of great empires and right up to today's obsessional pursuit of the almighty dollar, Jay takes us on a fascinating journey of the world's road to riches. If a book on economics sounds as dull as ditchwater, don't be fazed for this is an outstanding discourse, not only on global economics but, as a bonus, also on the political history of the world. The author informs us that, after sex, money is our second appetite. If this is so, then we are given a veritable glut of information crammed into almost 440 pages - perhaps a tad too long - but still a compelling read for those who are barely on nodding terms with international economic affairs.