Rise of the Rich: A New View of Modern World History (1st ed.)

'The rise of the West' has long been the accepted doctrine for framing analyses of 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 metanarrative concepts from Marxism to liberalism.Rather than a history of clashing civilizations, he identifies a history of resolving conflicts through negotiations among the wealthy classes of various regions.

Fundamental to his theory is evidence demonstrating the existence 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 to the field.