"If the Guinness Book of World Records ever added a category for 'most productive historian, Niall Ferguson would have to be a leading candidate for the honor. But he is more than simply prolific: he is also smart, witty and thought provoking. Year after year, he writes books that are the envy of his col-leagues, using his deep knowledge of history, especially economic history, to illuminate current events.
In Colossus he turns his formidable powers of analysis toward the 'American Empire, offering a brief history as well as a provocative argument. Ferguson believes that it would be a good thing if the United States were to take over the imperial role once played by Great Britain-but he doubts that Americans have what it takes to be effective imperialists. Colossus is sure to shake the assumptions of both fans and critics of the American Empire including those who deny that such a thing even exists."