Book Review: 50 inventions that shaped the modern economy

The world of economy is shaped by many different choices made by human beings. It is also shaped by objects which, sometimes, one would not think of. The book by Tim Harford, Fifty Inventions that Shape the Modern Economy, published by Little, Brown, is entertaining and sometimes surprising.
Barbed wire, according to Harford, has something to do with digital rights, while he tackles the future of music. His language is clear, explaining concepts like Luddite in his own fashion.
Harford’s stated purpose is a new look at innovation, asking himself and his reading public what the best ways to encourage new ideas are. After all, inventions are not only solutions to problems, says Harford. They shape lives in many different ways.
The book was created after a radio series by Harford himself on the BBC, titled in the same way. The podcast can be downloaded here