This book argues that three further factors are key to the success of prosperous economies - paradoxes, patterns, and portals - and it is only by integrating these additional philosophical, ethical, religious and geographic elements that we can truly understand the successes of prosperous economies. "Unlike many other books on the topic, Murphy adopts an acutely multidisciplinary approach, ranging from economics to ethnography, philosophy, and literary study? The Political Economy of Prosperity is a very interesting and notably readable book, from which I certainly learnt a lot." - Charles Amos, Institute of Economic Affairs, UK, from Economic Affairs 2020; 40:492-494.