Prostovechi. The History of the World Through Legendary Goods and Beloved Products

How did sugar build the global slave trade? Why did coffee manage to change public policy? How did oil and gold spark wars, while potatoes triggered the industrial revolution? What is the connection between salt and taxes? And between bread... and national identity? This book is about seven simple things that were at the center of the most dramatic events in world history – from Antiquity to the present day. Importantly, this is not the story of well-known goods and popular products. The authors looked at the history of humanity in its highest and lowest manifestations, which would have been completely different without these seven simple things. Thanks to these things, legendary rulers built the greatest states and reduced them to dust, scientists shaped the fate of the planet and vanished into obscurity, and people pursued their dreams and believed in a better future. And, of course, they experienced incredible pleasure, became wealthy and hungry, turned greedy and noble, cruel and merciful.