1493: Uncovering the New World Columbus Created, by Charles Mann

In this book, Jared Diamond explains why Eurasian and North African civilizations have survived and conquered others. He argues that differences in societal development arise primarily from geographical causes. The book details how agricultural societies developed immunities to deadly diseases, advanced in technology, and formed centralized political structures, ultimately leading to the conquest of other societies. Diamond also discusses the impact of germs, domesticated animals, and environmental factors on human history.

The book delves into the complex interplay of cultural mores and historical circumstances that explain why some nations achieve economic success while others remain in poverty. Landes argues that industrialization, supported by cultural and institutional frameworks, is the pivotal force behind wealth creation. He highlights the significance of cultural attitudes toward work, innovation, and risk-taking as drivers of sustained growth, particularly in European nations. The narrative spans centuries, incorporating anecdotes, case studies, and comparative analysis to provide a global viewpoint on economic development. However, the book has been criticized for its Eurocentric perspective and neglect of developments in non-Western regions.

In '1493', Charles C. Mann explores the global effects of the Columbian Exchange, which followed Columbus's first landing in the Americas. The book details how this exchange led to a global homogenization of species, diseases, and tools, significantly impacting the rise of Europe, the decline of imperial China, and the convulsion of Africa. Mann also discusses how Mexico City became a central hub where Asia, Europe, and the Americas interacted, and how these exchanges have influenced today's political disputes, trade policies, and cultural wars. The book is based on extensive research from biologists, anthropologists, archaeologists, and historians, offering a comprehensive and fascinating look at the origins of modern globalization.

In 'Plagues and Peoples', William H. McNeill examines the historical context of the spread and effects of various diseases, such as smallpox, the bubonic plague, and typhoid. He argues that two forces, micro-parasitism (the influence of diseases through bacilli and viruses on humans) and macro-parasitism (the spread of disease through human activities like military campaigns, colonialism, and trade), have significantly shaped world history. The book covers the evolution of disease environments from early human societies to the AIDS epidemic, highlighting how ecological changes, trade networks, and human expansion have influenced the spread of diseases. McNeill's work challenges traditional views of history by emphasizing the crucial role of disease in shaping human populations, cultures, and societies.