Rise of the Rich: A New View of Modern World History

"The rise of the west" has long been the accepted doctrine for framing analysis for world history. Privileging a Eurocentric approach, this traditional paradigm obscures the significance of the indigenous rich in non-Western regions and fails to recognize the contributions of the Orient. In this book, Peter Gran seeks to reframe current historical debates, presenting a model of analysis based on the rise of the rich. Gran outlines the structure of this new paradigm, building upon meta-narrative concepts from Marxism to liberalism.

Rather than a history of clashing civilizations, he identifies a history of resolving conflicts through negotiations among wealthy classes in various regions. Fundamental to his theory is the assumption of non-European ruling classes with power in interregional affairs. Far-reaching in its historical scope, Gran’s work lays the foundation for a critical rethinking of world history and offers a vital contribution the field.

Peter Gran is professor of history at Temple University. He is author of Islamic Roots of Capitalism: Egypt, 1760–1840 and Beyond Eurocentrism: A New View of Modern World History, both published by Syracuse University Press.