"The Ascent of Money" by Niall Ferguson - Penguin 2008; updated 2009 is a very, very good read.

Subtitled "A Financial history of the World" - this is achieved in 360 pages and without jargon and economic complexity (dryness). It could be seen as somewhat superficial, definitely not comprehensive or academic in its style, but he is such a good writer the examples and core arguments given are so compelling and lucid.

(also was a TV series before but I prefer my info this way - and definitely not on eTablet)