<p>'Deftly punctures popular misconceptions... Could a history book be more timely?' The Economist<br><br>'Engaging and persuasive' New Statesman<br><br>'A compelling and timely study of what drove history's most influential civilisations... the book comes with impeccable timing... An entertaining and informative read for anyone interested in the forces that shape how civilisations progress' Financial Times<br><br><br>Golden ages are marked by pe...