Archive · 8 Aug 2025
Merryn Somerset Webb's Book Picks on How the World Works
Merryn Somerset Webb, a financial expert, is recommending five books to understand the world.
One book explores the history of slavery, from ancient times to today.
Another examines the revolutions that happened in Europe.
A third book explains how food and energy are produced, which is important to know.
A fourth book dives into morals and ethics, helping us understand why people behave the way they do.
The final book discusses political instability, suggesting that conflict among elites can lead to problems and endings.
Financial columnist Merryn Somerset Webb recommends five books on how the world works.
The books cover topics including slavery, European revolutions, food and energy production, ethics, and political instability.
Justin Marozzi's "Captives and Companions" explores the history of slavery, including its modern forms.
Christopher Clark's "Revolutionary Spring" examines the 1848 European revolutions and their impact.
Vaclav Smil's "How the World Really Works" offers insights into food and energy production.
- Who
- Merryn Somerset Webb
- What
- Recommendations of books to understand the world.
- When
- August 2024
- Where
- Edinburgh Fringe
- Why
- To understand the world.
- Recommender
- Merryn Somerset Webb
- Event
- Edinburgh Fringe
- Date of Event
- August 22
- Focus
- How the world works
- Book 1
- "Captives and Companions" by Justin Marozzi
- Book 2
- "Revolutionary Spring" by Christopher Clark
- Book 3
- "How the World Really Works" by Vaclav Smil
- Book 4
- "The Theory of Moral Sentiments" by Adam Smith
- Book 5
- "End Times" by Peter Turchin