And Again about the Nature of Wealth (about the Book by M. Koyama and J. Rubin «How the World Got Rich: The Historical Origins of Economic Growth»)

The article presents a review of a book in which its authors consider concepts of transition to sustainable economic growth. The focus is on the problem of institutions and culture. The features of understanding their relationship are discussed. The concepts of R. Allen and J. Mokyr with their different interpretations of the conditions and causes that gave rise to the industrial revolution in Great Britain are presented. The authors of the book then consider the spread of this revolution throughout the world. Different views on the nature of development and backwardness, catching up development are given. A vision of the causes of both is given in relation to different countries. Attention is paid to the economic history of the USA, Japan and the "East Asian tigers". China occupies a special place. Conclusions are made about the impossibility of importing institutions without taking into account the institutional and cultural environment. The book allows you to get extensive information on the main ideas of institutional economic history today.