Part I: Economic Growth and Technological Progress;

1. Introduction; Part II: Narrative;

2. Classical Antiquity;

3. The Middle Ages;

4. The Renaissance and Beyond: Technology 1500-1750;

5. The Years of Miracles: The Industrial Revolution, 1750-1830;

6. The Later Nineteenth Century: 1830-1914; Part III: Analysis and Comparisons;

7. Understanding Technological Progress;

8. Classical and Medieval Technology;

9. China and Europe;

10. The Industrial Revolution: Britain and Europe;

Part IV: Dynamics and Technological Progress;

11. Evolution and the Dynamics of Technological Change

12. Epilogue Bibliography

In a world of supercomputers, genetic engineering, and fiber optics, technological creativity is ever more the key to economic success. But why are some nations more creative than others, and why do some highly innovative societies--such as ancient China, or Britain in the industrial revolution--pass into stagnation? Beginning with a fascinating, concise history of technological progress, Mokyr sets the background for his analysis by tracing the major inventions and innovations that have transformed society since ancient Greece and Rome. What emerges from this survey is often surprising.