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by Hubert Howe Bancroft
“An Inquiry into the Nature and Distribution of the World’s Resources and Riches, and a History of the Origin and Influence of Property, its Possession, Accumulation and disposition in all Ages and among all Nations”
That’s how Hubert Howe Bancroft described his monumental 10-volume set of books when it was first published in 1896.
Produced in a very limited edition, and available only to the wealthiest families and individuals across the developed world, this incredible set goes back through recorded history — beginning with the Sumerians, the Egyptians and Babylonians — and explores the wealthiest individuals, institutions, organizations, religious foundations and nations that have built great wealth.
Long out of print, the books are once again available, now in an affordable ‘Popular’ edition.
BOOK ONE – In this first volume of The Book of Wealth, Bancroft examines the emergence of wealth and civilization in ancient Chaldea, Babylonia, Assyria and Persia; Egypt’s evolution from primitive settlements to a highly organized society; Phoenicia’s role in spreading wealth, culture, and technological innovation across the Mediterranean; religious perspectives on wealth and commerce in Palestine and Arabia.
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BOOK TWO – In Book Two, Bancroft discusses the empires of The Far East — the cradle of ancient civilization. Learn about the rise of Buddhism, the spread of Islam, the conquests of Jhengis Khan, Alexander the Great and other great leaders, as well as the rise and fall of the kingdom of Greece.
BOOK THREE – In Book Three, Bancroft investigates the great civilizations of the Mediterranean — the Roman and Moorish empires — and their effects on Italy, Spain, Portugal and the Turkish empire.
BOOK FOUR – In Book Four, Bancroft reveals the tribal origins of France, the rise, and fall, of the various Kings Louis, and Napoleon’s ill-fated conquests. We learn about Switzerland, its dramatic scenery and historic locales; Holland’s ongoing battles against invading armies and the unending onslaught of the sea; the rich history of tiny Belgium; and finally, the many wars, and cultural wealth of Austria and Hungary.
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BOOK FIVE – In Book Five, Bancroft details the rise of Germany, from a disorganized collection of warring tribes to its position as the foremost military power on the European continent. He discusses Denmark, Norway and Sweden, home to Viking marauders whose seagoing exploits and explorations touched most of the ancient world — including North America. Finally, Bancroft takes a hard look at Russia, with its sprawling landscape and vast wealth of untapped resources; even predicting the bloody Russian Revolution — almost 20 years before it took place!
BOOK SIX – In Book Six, Bancroft details the history of Great Britain — once just another Roman province — and how it became an empire circling the globe; the continent of Africa, exploited by all comers for its vast mineral wealth, with large numbers of its population sold into slavery; Australia, home to prison colonies established at the end of the 18th century, later a source of gold, mineral and livestock riches; and the Hawaiian Islands, falling under foreign domination in the guise of a protectorate due to its strategic location and lush agriculture.
BOOK SEVEN – In Book Seven, Bancroft turns his gaze to the New World — South and Central America, the West India Islands, Mexico and Canada. He details the rich history of the indigenous empires — before and after the arrival of European explorers, who stumbled upon the Americas while looking for a passage to the legendary riches of the Far East. Once discovered, the New World was subjected to wave after wave of foreign conquerors, who exploited the indigenous peoples — claiming their souls for the church, and seizing their gold, minerals and other native resources to enrich the crown heads back home.
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BOOK EIGHT – In Book Eight, Bancroft examines the Pacific, Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent United States. He describes in detail their early exploration and settlement, and the exploitation of the mineral and other natural resources found there. The book includes extensive discussion on the origin, scope and development of art, including Bancroft’s commentary and criticisms of the art and architecture of Egypt, Babylonia, Assyria, Persia, India, China and Japan.
BOOK NINE – In Book Nine, Bancroft examines the Southern and Central United States, with special emphasis on Chicago and its surrounding area, one of the most important parts of America – perhaps the entire world – according to Bancroft. He includes biographies of the men (and a few women) responsible for the early development and rapid growth of this economic and cultural powerhouse. The latter half of the book discusses the Art and Architecture of Greece & Italy, particularly the works created during the height of the ancient empires’ Classic Era. Lastly, Bancroft turns his critical eye to the Art and Architecture of the Early Christian and Byzantine Periods… and finds it mostly lacking.
BOOK TEN – In Book Ten Bancroft traces the history of America’s East Coast, from its colonial founders and early settlers through the region’s evolution into an economic and manufacturing powerhouse by the close of the 19th Century. Bancroft offers vignettes of the determined, visionary men (and a few women) who built personal and family fortunes in a wide range of industries – shipping, railroads, manufacturing and mercantile, banking and finance, as well as others no one could have imagined at the country’s beginnings. In his final installment on art and architecture, Bancroft turns his critical gaze to Islam – whose lack of innovation (in his opinion) limited them to adapting existing structures, mainly for religious use. Bancroft is more forgiving of Romanesque style and the transition to Gothic architecture as cities became more wealthy. Sculpture, painting and other decorative arts get minor mentions this time around, as Bancroft seems to believe the arts reached their peak in ancient Greece and never surpassed that level of achievement.
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To learn more about Hubert Howe Bancroft and his work, visit our RESOURCES page.