Prometheus Unbound - (Second Edition)

Author: Landes
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2007-01-01
Features: Since the publication of David Landes's The Unbound Prometheus, it has been an authoritative work in the field of European industrial revolution and economic development history for over three decades. In this new edition, the author revisits the original conceptual framework from the perspective of contemporary globalization and comparative economic growth research, offering innovative interpretations. At the beginning of the book, the author provides a classic description of the characteristics, processes, and political, economic, and social significance of the industrial revolutions in Great Britain, France, and Germany, thereby raising a highly debated question: Why did the industrial revolution occur earlier in Europe? Subsequently, he outlines a history of 20th-century economic development, including: the key role of World War I in accelerating the collapse of the old global economic order, the economic crisis of 1929–1932, the post-World War II recovery and subsequent unprecedented rapid development of European economies, and more. Finally, he makes a concluding assertion: only through the continuous process of industrial revolution can Europe and the world ensure their long-term development.