1. "The Wealth of Nations" by Adam Smith (1776):
2. A seminal work examining the foundations of modern economics, advocating for free markets and the invisible hand of self-interest driving prosperity.

1. "Capital in the Twenty-First Century" by Thomas Piketty (2013):
2. An influential analysis of wealth inequality, highlighting the concentration of capital and proposing policy solutions for a fairer economic landscape.

1. "Guns, Germs, and Steel" by Jared Diamond (1997):
2. Investigates the role of geography, ecology, and technological advancements in shaping the disparities of economic development across civilizations.

1. "The Great Transformation" by Karl Polanyi (1944): 
2. Explores the societal and economic consequences of the rise of market economies and the commodification of labor, land, and money.

1. "The House of Morgan: An American Banking Dynasty and the Rise of Modern Finance" by Ron Chernow (1990):

Captivating history of the influential Morgan banking family, exploring their impact on American finance and the shaping of the modern financial system.

1. "The Origins of Political Order" by Francis Fukuyama (2011):
2. Examines the development of political institutions and their influence on economic outcomes, delving into the roots of successful societies.

1. "The Silk Roads" by Peter Frankopan (2015):
2. Provides a fresh perspective on world history, highlighting the economic interconnectedness of civilizations through the Silk Road trade routes.

1. "The Great Divergence" by Kenneth Pomeranz (2000):
2. Explores the reasons behind the economic divergence between Western Europe and China, challenging traditional narratives of Western exceptionalism.

1. "A Farewell to Alms" by Gregory Clark (2007):
2. Controversially argues that genetics and cultural factors played a significant role in shaping long-term economic development and prosperity.

1. "The Rise and Fall of American Growth" by Robert J. Gordon (2016):
2. Analyzes the drivers of economic growth in the United States over the past century and questions the sustainability of future advancements.