First I gave 4* for substance and style. On second thought I raised it to 5* because it is so entertaining in painting a vivid picture of a very dark age. Would I have read this book circa 2005, then I'd probably hesitate between a three and a four star rating.

What a fascinating read during this time of economic volatility. Let's hope today's financial leaders have the skills that some of their predecessors lacked. Ahamed keeps this book interesting when it could have bogged down in technical economic lingo.

Well written, great storytelling of a very very relevant topic today. Great read with terrific portraits of the central bankers involved.

I have listened to this book several times while I do manual labor. I enjoyed the personal approach to the characters in world finance. I learned much about the finances of the two World Wars. I thought the writing good. The jumping about in time was disconcerting, but otherwise a good book.

So this book definetly lands square in the realm of starts slow, finishes strong. International Finance see, is really about as dull as it gets right up untill it nearly destroys modern civilization. Even if the begining feels a bit like Macro Econ homework the middle and end are just outrageously entertaining. I'm not even gonna qualify that with, ...as far as books about money go, it's just a great read.

Definitely recommend, especially considering the recent banking meltdowns and current banking regulations. One caveat for me: while fascinating and well researched (such detail!), something about the author's writing style left me wanting. He has a way of creating a build up that completely engrosses you, but then when he gets to the climax of the particular point he seems to gloss over it and move to the next point.

Colorful History of the 1920s-1940s World Econ Leaders

This book is not simply numbers and figures. It does a fantastic job of chronicaling the actual world economic leaders and their influence (along with their personalities and relationships) of the economic system in that critical era. The author assumes correctly that understanding the leaders, the people in their countries, and explaining some historical background information makes the reader better able to understand both the consequences and reasoning behind various events. The focus is on America, England, France, and Germany. I would recommend this book to someone interested in general history of that time period because it does help explain so many other events around that time.

If you need to know history of Wall Street

History of Wall Street and those who influence the world of finance.

Interesting Information

Interesting information about the banking industry and how it works. The ordinary people have no idea of what goes on in the hidden world of finance and politics...unless they're willing to invest some time to do some research for themselves.

The real origins of the depression

The best thing I have read about the financial policies that culminated in the great depression. Very well written it covers the 20s and 30s in Europe and America. The gold standard gets most of the blame but the book is fascinating for anyone with an interest in history because shows how decisions were made by flawed people using an even more flawed ideology.