Gregory Clark

Gregory Clark is an economic historian and professor at the University of California, Davis, known for his research on long-term economic growth and the origins of the Industrial Revolution. His work focuses on understanding why some societies became wealthy while others remained poor, examining factors like social mobility and genetic transmission of economic success. Clark's most influential book, "A Farewell to Alms" (2007), presents controversial theories about how natural selection during the pre-industrial period may have created cultural and genetic changes that contributed to England's economic development. The book argues that the Industrial Revolution emerged from a long process of genetic and cultural evolution that occurred between 1200 and 1800. His research methods combine traditional economic history with novel approaches, including the tracking of surnames across generations to study social mobility. Clark's work with historical data from England spanning several centuries has challenged conventional views about economic mobility and inheritance of social status. Clark has continued to explore themes of inequality and economic development in subsequent works, including "The Son Also Rises" (2014), which examines social mobility across different societies and time periods. His research has sparked significant academic debate about the relationships between biology, culture, and economic development.

Readers value Clark's data-driven economic history research but debate his controversial conclusions about social mobility and genetics. His most-discussed book "A Farewell to Alms" has a 3.9/5 on Goodreads from 2,100+ ratings. Readers appreciate: - Clear writing style that makes complex economic concepts accessible - Extensive use of historical data and statistics - Fresh perspectives on long-held economic assumptions Common criticisms: - Oversimplified explanations of complex historical events - Selective use of data to support pre-determined conclusions - Insufficient consideration of cultural and social factors On Amazon, readers critique Clark's deterministic views, with one noting "he reduces complex societal changes to genetics while ignoring crucial environmental factors." Multiple reviews mention concerns about racial implications of his work. Average ratings: Goodreads: A Farewell to Alms (3.9/5) The Son Also Rises (3.8/5) Amazon: A Farewell to Alms (4.1/5) The Son Also Rises (4.0/5)

A Farewell to Alms: A Brief Economic History of the World (2007) Examines why the Industrial Revolution occurred in England and explores economic history from the Stone Age to modern growth, using data on population, prices, and wages to explain patterns of economic development.

The Son Also Rises: Surnames and the History of Social Mobility (2014) Analyzes surname data across centuries and societies to demonstrate that social mobility rates are lower than commonly believed and remain consistent across different social systems.

For Whom the Bell Tolls: A Brief History of Work, Income and Social Status from the Middle Ages to the Present Day (2021) Tracks changes in occupational status and income distribution from medieval times to the present, using historical records to explore social stratification.

Double Entry: 900 Years of Wealth and Inequality (2023) Studies wealth inequality through probate records and inheritance data spanning nearly a millennium of English economic history.

Robert Fogel analyzes the intersection of economic history and human welfare through quantitative methods, examining how technological and institutional changes impact living standards. His work on railroads and slavery in American economic development uses similar long-term historical perspectives to Clark's research.

Kenneth Pomeranz investigates why the Industrial Revolution occurred in Europe rather than China through comparative economic history. His research examines the same fundamental questions as Clark about divergent development paths across societies, using detailed analysis of historical living standards and resource availability.

David Landes explores the cultural and institutional factors behind economic development and industrialization across different societies. His work on technological change and industrial development provides complementary perspectives to Clark's theories about why some regions industrialized while others did not.

Joel Mokyr focuses on the role of knowledge, technology, and institutions in economic growth during the Industrial Revolution. His examination of the cultural and intellectual roots of industrialization addresses similar questions to Clark about the foundations of modern economic growth.

Thomas Piketty studies wealth concentration and income inequality across multiple generations using historical data and surname analysis. His methodological approach to tracking long-term patterns of economic inequality parallels Clark's work on social mobility and inherited status.