Looking for something that starts with the River Valley Civilizations and moves through most major civilizations that analyzes the economic traditions throughout history. Even better would be if it covered pre-Columbian America as well (buy my hopes for that aren't too high). As a side note I am also looking for a similar book that covers philosophical thought and its impact on the world. Would like to get a different view of history beyond just "here is a major guy from history and he did these important things." Thanks in advance!
Up front: I prefer histories that focus on economics too, but specifically from a labor-oriented point of view.
For a some histories that look at a more broad economic history and how major historical events resulted from it, I think you'd be well to note Debt: The First 5000 Years by Dr. David Graeber, whose focus is in economic anthropology & history. Another, although IMO slightly less satisfying (and somewhat heavy Euro-centric, despite it covering a general world history) is A People's History of the World by Chris Harman.