SKU: 28662253758

The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to Facebook

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The Square and the Tower: Networks and Power, from the Freemasons to FacebookThe instant New York Times bestseller. A brilliant recasting of the turning points in world history, including the one we're living through, as a collision between old power hierarchies and new social networks. "Captivating and compelling." The New York Times "Niall Ferguson has again written a brilliant book In 400 pages you will have restocked your mind. Do it." The Wall Street Journal "The Square and the Tower, in addition to being provocative

The instant New York Times bestseller.

A brilliant recasting of the turning points in world history, including the one we're living through, as a collision between old power hierarchies and new social networks.

"Captivating and compelling." --The New York Times

"Niall Ferguson has again written a brilliant book...In 400 pages you will have restocked your mind. Do it." --The Wall Street Journal

"The Square and the Tower, in addition to being provocative history, may prove to be a bellwether work of the Internet Age." --Christian Science Monitor

Most history is hierarchical: it's about emperors, presidents, prime ministers and field marshals. It's about states, armies and corporations. It's about orders from on high. Even history "from below" is often about trade unions and workers' parties. But what if that's simply because hierarchical institutions create the archives that historians rely on? What if we are missing the informal, less well documented social networks that are the true sources of power and drivers of change?

The 21st century has been hailed as the Age of Networks. However, in The Square and the Tower, Niall Ferguson argues that networks have always been with us, from the structure of the brain to the food chain, from the family tree to freemasonry. Throughout history, hierarchies housed in high towers have claimed to rule, but often real power has resided in the networks in the town square below. For it is networks that tend to innovate. And it is through networks that revolutionary ideas can contagiously spread. Just because conspiracy theorists like to fantasize about such networks doesn't mean they are not real.

From the cults of ancient Rome to the dynasties of the Renaissance, from the founding fathers to Facebook, The Square and the Tower tells the story of the rise, fall and rise of networks, and shows how network theory--concepts such as clustering, degrees of separation, weak ties, contagions and phase transitions--can transform our understanding of both the past and the present.

Just as The Ascent of Money put Wall Street into historical perspective, so The Square and the Tower does the same for Silicon Valley. And it offers a bold prediction about which hierarchies will withstand this latest wave of network disruption--and which will be toppled.
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SKU: 28662253758

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sybille crom
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy to use and a good Value
Color: Multicolor, Size: 20 LB
Good Quality and Value , easy grip and and not bulky , i like the Colors and easy store away Stand that makes using them easy
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Houston, US
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Nice product wife loves them
Color: Blue/Red, Size: 32 LB
Very nice having a rack 8ncld3d for the dumbbells lt better than wife leaving them on floor for toe bsters
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melonie
Fort Morgan, US
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Great weights !!!
Color: Blues, Size: 76 LB
VERY HEAVY box. These are great weights that are not rough on your hands. Putting together the stand was simple and makes the storage simplified.
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Matt
Charlottesville, US
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Simple, Comfortable, and Exactly What You Expect
Style: Rack with 3 Pairs (5, 10, and 15 Pound)
These are pretty much exactly what you want from a set of dumbbells — simple, functional, and no nonsense. The neoprene coating gives them a comfortable grip and keeps them from feeling slick in your hands, especially during longer workouts or if your hands get sweaty. The coating also helps keep them from banging up floors or making as much noise compared to bare metal weights, which is nice if you’re working out at home. Weight accuracy seems fine for general fitness use, and they’ve worked great for things like accessory movements, shoulder work, lighter presses, rehab-style exercises, and general muscle toning. The shape also helps keep them from rolling around everywhere when set down. They’re not fancy, and they’re not trying to be — they’re just dependable dumbbells that do what they’re supposed to do at a fair price. If you want straightforward hand weights for home workouts without overthinking it, these are a solid buy.
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Louisville, US
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Style: 12 Pound, Pair, Style: 12 Pound, Pair
I’ve been using the Amazon Basics Neoprene Dumbbell Hand Weights daily, and they’ve honestly been perfect for my routine. Whether I’m doing a quick morning workout or adding resistance to a longer session, these have held up really well. The neoprene coating makes a big difference—it provides a comfortable, non-slip grip, even during longer workouts or when my hands get a little sweaty. They’re also easy to clean and don’t have that strong rubber smell some weights can have. I really appreciate the hex shape too. They stay put when I set them down (no rolling across the floor), which makes switching between exercises quick and frustration-free. The weight feels evenly distributed and well-balanced, so movements feel controlled and smooth. Overall, these are simple, no-frills dumbbells that just work. If you’re looking for reliable hand weights for everyday use—whether you’re a beginner or just need something dependable for home workouts—these are a great choice.
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