A widely acknowledged expert in the field of marketing and consumer behavior, Roger D. Blackwell combines his years of research and teaching with the practical insights he has gained on the changing nature of the world to provide a stimulating look at the lessons that can be learned from world travel. Fast-paced, succinct, and filled with challenging ideas, From the Edge of the World takes readers on a fascinating and informative excursion to five continents to examine why some countries and companies prosper while others do not.Blackwell describes which country has the fastest growing economy in the world, discusses whether Japan's sun is rising or falling, and presents new insights into the United States' North American neighbors, Canada and Mexico. Topics range from the future of Africa to who will emerge as the dominant world power in the twenty-first century. Blackwell also provides practical advice about vacationing in these countries, stressing how to turn such vacations into lessons for personal and professional prosperity.Illustrated with photographs from Blackwell's travels, the book compiles his observations of numerous cultures of the world. Blackwell then applies his ideas to many aspects of life, from finding a career in the age of unemployment to understanding the problems of crime, education, and cultural diversity. Focusing on improving our society's ability to "think globally," Blackwell demonstrates how the principles that make countries great can also be applied to families and individuals. Read Less