Traces the evolution of international trade, from ancient Mesopotamia to today's global marketplace, exploring the influence of commerce on agriculture, technology, politics, and civilization as a whole.

Sumer -- The straits of trade -- Camels, perfumes, and prophets -- The Baghdad-Canton express -- The taste of trade and the captives of trade -- The disease of trade -- Da Gama's urge -- A world encompassed -- The coming of corporations -- Transplants -- the triumph and tragedy of free trade -- What Henry Bessemer wrought -- Collapse -- The Battle of Seattle.