Reviews:Why do oil and diamonds lead to economic disaster more often than boom? Why doesn't Africa grow cocaine? Why might believing in God be good for your balance-sheet? Using the stories of economic triumph and disaster, this title explains how some countries went wrong while others went right.

Why do some countries succeed while others fail? What causes boom or bust? The World Trade Editor of the }Financial Times{ explains how international economics really works. Funny, erudite and entertaining, as well as highly informative.