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In the four-hour version of THE ASCENT OF MONEY, historian and author Niall Ferguson seeks to explain the financial history of the world, exploring how our complex system of global finance evolved over the centuries, how money has shaped the course of human affairs and how the mechanics of this economic system work to create seemingly unlimited wealth—or catastrophic loss.

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The Ascent of Money
Full episodes
4 VIDEOS

Part 4: Planet Finance
55:49 Air Date 07/08/09

Part 3: Risky Business
56:04 Air Date 07/07/09

Part 2: Bonds of War
55:36 Air Date 07/06/09

Part 1: From Bullion to Bubbles
56:08 Air Date 07/05/09