Frozen Desire: The Psychology of Money

by James Buchan

Book Overview

The best single book I have ever seen on the history, sociology, literature, cultures and philosophy of money. This learned book is my pick of the year for any intelligent and broadly curious reader.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0374159092
• ISBN13: 9780374159092
• Release Date: December 1999
• Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.32 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

A Good Read!

James Buchan has written an enthralling book about the history and impact of money. He treats money as an evolving concept from early Greek writings to symbolic references in art. He considers the ability of money to speak for human desire, including its role in the primary needs to wage war and to make love. The book's style shifts from detailed historical review to literary criticism, so it is not always an easy read, but it is always fascinating. We at getAbstract recommend this book to executives who want to learn more about money's intrinsic power. Read it to learn how money shapes your world in ways you may not have considered.

In the top five of the most important books I've ever read.

James Buchan is not apt to win friends or influence people in the world of commerce with the views put forth in this book, but he has won my undying gratitude. His strong opinions caused me to reflect deeply on the meaning of money in my own life and my responsibilties towards it. While I disagree strongly with some of his conclusions, I admire both his scholarship and his literary skills. My hat is off to this masterpiece of misarguria.

money, still a mystery, but a nice overview.

James Buchan has produced a history of money: thoroughly researched, scholarly,and accurate; But also, highly opinionated, literate and a joy to read. This is not the money of the economists or the financiers...this is the money of the writers and artists..... it probably wont help you make any money, but it will give you a lot to think about. Highly recommended.

Fascinating

This book is hard to categorize...is it philosophy, economics, history or essay? It has to be all of these, and while it is not fully satisfactory in any of these categories, never quite reaching its stated and implied aims, it is a fascinating read. For one thing it is beautifully written, in a rich meandering prose, which gives the seemingly dull subject a shine like the gold around which the tale is woven. There are fascinating characters, stories and vignettes, and the book suceeds in at least stirring the reader to question the nature of money, even if it does not provide answers.