Human civilization is a tapestry woven with countless threads of innovation, culture, and progress. From the ancient wonders of antiquity to the modern metropolises that shape our global landscape, cities have been vital in driving humanity forward. Centers of Progress: 40 Cities That Changed the World by Cato policy analyst Chelsea Follett takes readers on a captivating journey through pivotal advancements in history. In this meticulously researched and thought-provoking work, Follett delves into the transformative power of 40 influential cities that have shaped human civilization.

This crash course in world history chronologically explores the origins of civilizations and the legacies these cities left behind. From the birthplace of writing in Uruk, to the development of philosophy in Athens, to the establishment of a liberal democracy in Philadelphia, each city is a testament to human resilience, innovation, and adaptability.

Centers of Progress serves as a celebration of human progress as a team sport and the spirit of innovation that drives societies forward. Most cities, Follett found, reached their creative peak during periods of peace and during times of social, intellectual, and economic freedom. Openness to intercultural exchange and trade also shows to foster progress.

One hundred and seventy-five years after Marx and Engels observed in The Communist Manifesto that free markets had in a short time created greater prosperity and more technological innovation than all previous generations combined, all evidence shows they were correct—capitalism has lifted billions from hunger and poverty. Today, a story about global capitalism, told by right-wing and left-wing populists as well as large sections of the political and economic establishment, does not deny that prosperity has been created but says it ended up in far too few hands.

In The Capitalist Manifesto: Why the Global Free Market Will Save the World, renowned author and Cato senior fellow Johan Norberg challenges popular economic narratives and delves into the transformative capabilities of free markets. He sheds light on how free markets have catalyzed unparalleled economic growth, lifting countless individuals from the shackles of poverty while ushering in an era of unparalleled innovation.

Norberg provides a balanced and nuanced perspective on free markets, addressing common criticisms while emphasizing that a move away from global capitalism would not only squeeze the growth out of the economy but also deepen an already large social exclusion for the vulnerable. For those seeking to understand the principles underpinning global economic systems and the potential they hold for advancing societies, The Capitalist Manifesto is a must-read.

Both books will be available in September and can be purchased at major book retailers, from online retailers, or on Cato’s website.