What does Bill Gates have in common with Genghis Khan? Or Pope Alexander VI, the English inventor Richard Arkwright, or Hetty Green who was the witch of Wall Street during the 19th century? All were among the richest people in history. Through their stories, the author traces the major financial and technological developments that shaped the world we live in today. Once, plunder was the main source of great fortunes - then trade, financial entrepreneurship and manufacturing. Today it is selling high technology to a mass market. The stories of those who did the best possible job of getting rich is one of expanding opportunity, with wealth spreading beyond the few and society evolving in dramatic ways.