The First Modern Economy, first published in 1997, provides a comprehensive economic history of the Netherlands during its rise to European economic leadership, the 'Golden Age', and subsequent decline (1500-1815). The authors argue that it was the first modern economy, and defend their position wit[...]

Nobel laureate Robert Fogel’s compelling new study examines health, nutrition and technology over the last three centuries and beyond. Throughout most of human history, chronic malnutrition has been the norm. During the past three centuries, however, a synergy between improvements in productive[...]

In the long eighteenth century, new consumer aspirations combined with a new industrious behavior to fundamentally alter the material cultures of northwest Europe and North America. This 'industrious revolution' is the context in which the economic acceleration associated with the Industrial Revolut[...]

HIDDEN DANGERS IN WHAT WE EAT AND DRINK deals succinctly with the hazards that growing children, teenagers and adults are exposed to. Food and drink today contain many additives, E numbers and other hidden dangers that could affect people physically, mentally and emotionally. The growth in the probl[...]

Arthritis, psoriasis and related rheumatic diseases are an enormous and growing problem throughout the world, with as many as 80 million people suffering from one or another of these conditions. Patients seeking help or relief from their own doctors or hospitals are often informed that they will sim[...]

Body Energy is the first book in Jan de Vries' outstanding new health series, Nature's Gift, and is intended to show how the body's energies can be used to combat ailments from headaches to spinal problems. Even the most healthy of us can benefit from an increase in energy; a physical and mental boo[...]