SKU: 42818727930

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.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Penguin Group
Published: 01/22/2019
ISBN: 9780735222939
Pages: 592
Weight: 1.20lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.40w x 1.40d
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SKU: 42818727930

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LaVie Home Floating Shelves for Wall Storage Set of 4, 16 Inch Picture Ledge Shelf.
Size: 15.6 inch, Color: White
Perfect Touch for Every Room! I absolutely love these LaVie Home floating shelves! The clean white finish and simple design make them super versatile — I’ve used them in the kitchen for spices, in the bathroom for toiletries, and even in the bedroom to display photos and small plants. The built-in lip is a thoughtful touch that keeps everything secure, and the shelves feel sturdy once installed. Installation was quick and easy with clear instructions, and the 16-inch size is just right — not too big, not too small. They add a stylish, organized look to any space. Definitely a great buy for anyone looking to add functional decor to their home!
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Clean & Sleek Look to Display Small Items
Easy to install. Look clean, sleek and modern. Great for displaying small collections in a room or for extra small item storage in a bathroom.
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Tarra
Belleville, US
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great shelves
Color: C. White - Modern Minimalist Style, Number Of Shelves: 3, Size: 36inches
These are a a great set of floating shelves! They were easy to install, feel sturdy, and look clean and modern on the wall. The set of three is perfect for displaying decor, photos, plants or small storage items while adding extra space without taking up room. Great quality, stylish, and a simple way to upgrade any space. They work perfect for my figurines to be displayed.
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KadeeH
Waukegan, US
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Great shelves
Color: A. Black - Universal Classic Style, Number Of Shelves: 3, Size: 22.5inches
Easy to hang and look great in my office. I love the little divot along the edge. Helps to keep pictures from sliding.
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Crystal
Birmingham, US
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Exactly what I needed for my bathroom refresh.
Color: B. Rustic Brown - Americana Farmhouse Style, Number Of Shelves: 2, Size: 22.5inches, Color: B. Rustic Brown - Americana Farmhouse Style, Number Of Shelves: 2, Size: 22.5inches
I bought these floating shelves in the color Rustic Brown to replace a bulky storage shelf that was making my bathroom feel cramped, and they completely transformed the space. The wood finish looks much more expensive than I expected, and once installed they gave the bathroom a clean, modern, spa-like feel without taking up visual space. Installation was straightforward overall. I mounted one screw in the center into a stud and used drywall anchors for the remaining hardware, and the shelves feel very sturdy. They sit flush against the wall and don’t sag or wobble. I especially love how slim they are while still being deep enough to hold everyday bathroom items, decor, candles, skincare, and small baskets. The color worked perfectly with my bathroom vanity and mirror trim, and the floating design instantly made the room look more organized and intentional. Huge upgrade for a small space. Definitely recommend if you want functional storage that also looks elevated and minimalist.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 30, 2026

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