Sounds suspiciously like Diamond's Guns, Germs and Steel, but also quite interesting.
The story told in Fur, Fortune, and Empire could be viewed as a compelling historical case study in why governments must regulate (assuming another such case study is needed after Wall Street’s terrifying shenanigans and BP’s oily behavior). For all its broad geographic and geopolitical scope, the fur trade was essentially what is known today as a “special interest,” accounting in 1833 for less than 2 percent of America’s exports. It was an extractive operation run by plutocrats like Astor who trafficked in a nonessential, luxury product by taking a resource that is seen today, at least, as belonging to society as a whole. But unfortunately Dolin declines to go there.
Haven't heard of this book before or seen it.Looks Interesting.
ReplyDeleteMy dear gintaras, please tell me your title is adapted, you can't possibly be old enough or retro enough to be familiar with "Violets for Your Furs" -- it's almost beyond me!
ReplyDeleteI am familiar with the song, which is why I quoted it. I know it from a version Nat Adderley did back in the 60s. It was off his "Work Song" album.
ReplyDeleteOh well, that's all right then. ;)
ReplyDeleteJust noticed that it is in the current HBC flyer and they give it a nice review.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind picking up this book myself.
ReplyDeleteI'd put that one in the list.
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