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THE ASCENT OF MONEY

A FINANCIAL HISTORY OF THE WORLD

Awards & Accolades

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Who knew there was a financial subtext to MARY POPPINS? Niall Ferguson—apparently—who explains that the children's classic makes the important point about banking that a bank's success is based on a fragile faith. And it's that same faith—in coins, in paper, and now in virtual banking—that lets us believe that money exists even though we don't much see it anymore. Written before the current downturn, yet seeming to predict it, the book explains that the popping sound you hear is when the “belief bubble” bursts (and Ferguson profiles some massive bubble makers). Narrator Simon Prebble moves along this metaphysical history of dinero with command, authority, and a BBC accent. His tone and timing add an element of class to the project. It’s sort of like sitting in on a really fab Oxford lecture.

Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2008

Duration: 11 hrs, 30 mins

Publisher: Tantor Media

Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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    "MOST BLESSED OF THE PATRIARCHS"

    THOMAS JEFFERSON AND THE EMPIRE OF THE IMAGINATION

    Karen Chilton's fluid alto is a good fit for this biography of Thomas Jefferson. The authors are more or less successful in their attempt to present the third president in the context of his times. What we are presented with is a very human being--possessing great intellect, filled with flaws and contradictions, and still immensely fascinating nearly three centuries after his birth. Chilton's pacing and inflection are never off. She narrates with a calm demeanor, competently affecting various accents for quotes and ably giving subtle expression to the narrative. It all adds up to an enjoyable listening experience.

    Pub Date: Feb. 4, 2016

    Duration: 14 hrs, 30 mins

    DD ISBN: 9781501909993

    Publisher: Recorded Books Inc.

    Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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      102 MINUTES

      THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE FIGHT TO SURVIVE INSIDE THE TWIN TOWERS

      It's hard to imagine that the horror of 9/11 took place within a window of a mere 102 minutes, but indeed it was so. Be prepared for harrowing and heroic accounts gleaned from every possible source--phone messages, police and fire department communications, personal accounts, even the media--delineating the details at Ground Zero. Reader Ron McLarty handles the job with strong characterizations and the intensity the material demands. Listeners will find it hard to turn away from the nightmare but will find redemption in some of the stories of self-sacrifice that saved many lives. D.J.B. 2006 Audie Award Finalist © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine

      Pub Date: Jan. 22, 2004

      Duration: 6 hrs

      Publisher: Harper Audio

      Review Posted Online: Jan. 22, 2026

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