Items related to Money: The Unauthorised Biography
What is money, and how does it work? The conventional answer is that people once used sugar in the West Indies, tobacco in Virginia, and dried cod in Newfoundland, and that today's financial universe evolved from barter. Unfortunately, there is a problem with this story. It's wrong. And not just wrong, but dangerous. Money: the Unauthorised Biography unfolds a panoramic secret history and explains the truth about money: what it is, where it comes from, and how it works. Drawing on stories from throughout human history and around the globe, Money will radically rearrange your understanding of the world and shows how money can once again become the most powerful force for freedom we have ever known.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Review:
Praise for "Money"
Finalist for "Guardian" First Book Award
"'Money is often held to have arisen as a solution to the shortcomings of barter: traders needed a universally acceptable 'medium of exchange.' In this lively history-cum-polemic, Martin says that the theory is 'entirely false, ' and that the essence of monetary exchange is not 'the swapping of goods and services for this commodity medium' but a 'system of credit accounts and their clearing.'"
"Compulsively readable . . . "Money "is a fascinating and entertaining pep talk for bankers, economists and armchair revolutionaries dissatisfied with the current financial system, and an attempt to galvanize them into action."
" " Heidi N. Moore, " New York Times Book Review"
Felix Martin's remarkable book asks the big question: do economists have any idea what money is? His compelling answer is: no. You may not agree with the answer. But it will certainly force you to think.
Martin Wolf, author of "Why Globalization Works"
Felix Martin has written a wonderfully original and entertaining history of money. If you have ever wondered why the whole system seems so dangerously and chronically unstable, this is the book to read.
Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Lords of Finance"
""
Felix Martin s remarkable book "Money" is economic history and indeed cultural anthropology with a difference . . . his sparkling book is worth taking seriously.
Raymond Tallis, "Prospect"
"
""An excellent book . . . Full of interesting history and insight . . .a beautiful and sometimes even entrancing study of human thought about money."
" "Tyler Cowen, " Times Literary Supplement
"
"Blending history and economic analysis in his engaging first book, economist and bond investor Martin explains the development of sovereign currency and its critically important function in modern economies. . . Martin approaches his subject in entertaining fashion, discussing monetarism and monetary theory, from John Locke to the Federal Reserve System. . .Fluent, discursive, and informed. It holds considerable appeal for investors, their bankers, and those drawn to the mechanics of wealth."
" Publishers Weekly"
"[A] critical essay fizzing with ideas.
Noel Malcolm, "Sunday Telegraph"
Stimulating and timely.
David Priestland, "Guardian"
The virtueof Martin s book is that it exposes the deep flaws in the way we havetraditionally thought about money. The exposition is clear . . . Fresh.
Alex Brummer, "New Statesman"
Felix Martincondenses the broadest of subjects into a searing andpotentially life-changing read that destroys all accepted knowledge of this thing we sell our souls for.
"Shortlist"
So replete with literary and historical examples that the story almost tells itself . . . a lucid, colorful introduction to 3,000 years of monetary history.
Martin Sandbu, "Financial Times"
""
[Martin] wants to change the way youthink about money. He rejects thetextbook idea that it s an alternative tobarter, the oil in the engine of the world economy. He seesmoney as a liberating (though unstable) system ofcreating and exchanging credit. This original and thought-provoking history of what s inyour wallet also offers some controversial solutions to the financial crisis, such asraising inflation levels and writing off national debts.
"The Guardian" (UK) Summer Book Roundup
A most accessible and thrilling read. If you want to read just one book about money, this is it.
Ha-Joon Chang
Combines breadth of scholarship with a wealth of practical experience in tackling the most elusive of economic subjects the nature of money.
John Kay
Magnificent hugely imaginative, clear, coherent.
Robert Skidelsky
"[I]n this improbably lively account [...] Martin seeks a deeper understanding, relating money especially to power [...] Refreshingly free of jargon and long on ideas including the thought that if it s money that got us into our current mess, it s money that can get us out of it."
"Kirkus""
Praise for Money
Finalist for Guardian First Book Award
"'Money is often held to have arisen as a solution to the shortcomings of barter: traders needed a universally acceptable 'medium of exchange.' In this lively history-cum-polemic, Martin says that the theory is 'entirely false, ' and that the essence of monetary exchange is not 'the swapping of goods and services for this commodity medium' but a 'system of credit accounts and their clearing.'"
"Compulsively readable . . . Money is a fascinating and entertaining pep talk for bankers, economists and armchair revolutionaries dissatisfied with the current financial system, and an attempt to galvanize them into action."
Heidi N. Moore, New York Times Book Review
Felix Martin's remarkable book asks the big question: do economists have any idea what money is? His compelling answer is: no. You may not agree with the answer. But it will certainly force you to think.
Martin Wolf, author of Why Globalization Works
Felix Martin has written a wonderfully original and entertaining history of money. If you have ever wondered why the whole system seems so dangerously and chronically unstable, this is the book to read.
Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Lords of Finance
Felix Martin s remarkable book Money is economic history and indeed cultural anthropology with a difference . . . his sparkling book is worth taking seriously.
Raymond Tallis, Prospect
"An excellent book . . . Full of interesting history and insight . . .a beautiful and sometimes even entrancing study of human thought about money."
Tyler Cowen, Times Literary Supplement
"Blending history and economic analysis in his engaging first book, economist and bond investor Martin explains the development of sovereign currency and its critically important function in modern economies. . . Martin approaches his subject in entertaining fashion, discussing monetarism and monetary theory, from John Locke to the Federal Reserve System. . .Fluent, discursive, and informed. It holds considerable appeal for investors, their bankers, and those drawn to the mechanics of wealth."
Publishers Weekly
"[A] critical essay fizzing with ideas.
Noel Malcolm, Sunday Telegraph
Stimulating and timely.
David Priestland, Guardian
The virtueof Martin s book is that it exposes the deep flaws in the way we havetraditionally thought about money. The exposition is clear . . . Fresh.
Alex Brummer, New Statesman
Felix Martincondenses the broadest of subjects into a searing andpotentially life-changing read that destroys all accepted knowledge of this thing we sell our souls for.
Shortlist
So replete with literary and historical examples that the story almost tells itself . . . a lucid, colorful introduction to 3,000 years of monetary history.
Martin Sandbu, Financial Times
[Martin] wants to change the way youthink about money. He rejects thetextbook idea that it s an alternative tobarter, the oil in the engine of the world economy. He seesmoney as a liberating (though unstable) system ofcreating and exchanging credit. This original and thought-provoking history of what s inyour wallet also offers some controversial solutions to the financial crisis, such asraising inflation levels and writing off national debts.
The Guardian (UK) Summer Book Roundup
A most accessible and thrilling read. If you want to read just one book about money, this is it.
Ha-Joon Chang
Combines breadth of scholarship with a wealth of practical experience in tackling the most elusive of economic subjects the nature of money.
John Kay
Magnificent hugely imaginative, clear, coherent.
Robert Skidelsky
"[I]n this improbably lively account [...] Martin seeks a deeper understanding, relating money especially to power [...] Refreshingly free of jargon and long on ideas including the thought that if it s money that got us into our current mess, it s money that can get us out of it."
Kirkus"
Praise for Money Finalist for Guardian First Book Award "'Money is often held to have arisen as a solution to the shortcomings of barter: traders needed a universally acceptable 'medium of exchange.' In this lively history-cum-polemic, Martin says that the theory is 'entirely false, ' and that the essence of monetary exchange is not 'the swapping of goods and services for this commodity medium' but a 'system of credit accounts and their clearing.'" "Compulsively readable . . . Money is a fascinating and entertaining pep talk for bankers, economists and armchair revolutionaries dissatisfied with the current financial system, and an attempt to galvanize them into action."
-- Heidi N. Moore, New York Times Book Review "Felix Martin's remarkable book asks the big question: do economists have any idea what money is? His compelling answer is: no. You may not agree with the answer. But it will certainly force you to think."
--Martin Wolf, author of Why Globalization Works
"Felix Martin has written a wonderfully original and entertaining history of money. If you have ever wondered why the whole system seems so dangerously and chronically unstable, this is the book to read."
--Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Lords of Finance
"Felix Martin's remarkable book Money is economic history-and indeed cultural anthropology-with a difference . . . his sparkling book is worth taking seriously."
--Raymond Tallis, Prospect
"An excellent book . . . Full of interesting history and insight . . . a beautiful and sometimes even entrancing study of human thought about money."
--Tyler Cowen, Times Literary Supplement
"Blending history and economic analysis in his engaging first book, economist and bond investor Martin explains the development of sovereign currency and its critically important function in modern economies. . . Martin approaches his subject in entertaining fashion, discussing monetarism and monetary theory, from John Locke to the Federal Reserve System. . . Fluent, discursive, and informed. It holds considerable appeal for investors, their bankers, and those drawn to the mechanics of wealth."
--Publishers Weekly "[A] critical essay fizzing with ideas."
--Noel Malcolm, Sunday Telegraph "Stimulating and timely."
--David Priestland, Guardian "The virtue of Martin's book is that it exposes the deep flaws in the way we have traditionally thought about money. The exposition is clear . . . Fresh."
--Alex Brummer, New Statesman "Felix Martin condenses the broadest of subjects into a searing and potentially life-changing read that destroys all accepted knowledge of this thing we sell our souls for."
--Shortlist "So replete with literary and historical examples that the story almost tells itself . . . a lucid, colorful introduction to 3,000 years of monetary history."
--Martin Sandbu, Financial Times
"[Martin] wants to change the way you think about money. He rejects the textbook idea that it's an alternative to barter, the oil in the engine of the world economy. He sees money as a liberating (though unstable) system of creating and exchanging credit. This original and thought-provoking history of what's in your wallet also offers some controversial solutions to the financial crisis, such as raising inflation levels and writing off national debts."
--The Guardian (UK) Summer Book Roundup "A most accessible and thrilling read. If you want to read just one book about money, this is it."
--Ha-Joon Chang "Combines breadth of scholarship with a wealth of practical experience in tackling the most elusive of economic subjects-the nature of money."
--John Kay "Magnificent-hugely imaginative, clear, coherent."
--Robert Skidelsky "[I]n this improbably lively account [...] Martin seeks a deeper understanding, relating money especially to power [...] Refreshingly free of jargon and long on ideas--including the thought that if it's money that got us into our current mess, it's money that can get us out of it."
--Kirkus
Book Description:
Finalist for "Guardian" First Book Award
"'Money is often held to have arisen as a solution to the shortcomings of barter: traders needed a universally acceptable 'medium of exchange.' In this lively history-cum-polemic, Martin says that the theory is 'entirely false, ' and that the essence of monetary exchange is not 'the swapping of goods and services for this commodity medium' but a 'system of credit accounts and their clearing.'"
"Compulsively readable . . . "Money "is a fascinating and entertaining pep talk for bankers, economists and armchair revolutionaries dissatisfied with the current financial system, and an attempt to galvanize them into action."
" " Heidi N. Moore, " New York Times Book Review"
Felix Martin's remarkable book asks the big question: do economists have any idea what money is? His compelling answer is: no. You may not agree with the answer. But it will certainly force you to think.
Martin Wolf, author of "Why Globalization Works"
Felix Martin has written a wonderfully original and entertaining history of money. If you have ever wondered why the whole system seems so dangerously and chronically unstable, this is the book to read.
Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of "Lords of Finance"
""
Felix Martin s remarkable book "Money" is economic history and indeed cultural anthropology with a difference . . . his sparkling book is worth taking seriously.
Raymond Tallis, "Prospect"
"
""An excellent book . . . Full of interesting history and insight . . .a beautiful and sometimes even entrancing study of human thought about money."
" "Tyler Cowen, " Times Literary Supplement
"
"Blending history and economic analysis in his engaging first book, economist and bond investor Martin explains the development of sovereign currency and its critically important function in modern economies. . . Martin approaches his subject in entertaining fashion, discussing monetarism and monetary theory, from John Locke to the Federal Reserve System. . .Fluent, discursive, and informed. It holds considerable appeal for investors, their bankers, and those drawn to the mechanics of wealth."
" Publishers Weekly"
"[A] critical essay fizzing with ideas.
Noel Malcolm, "Sunday Telegraph"
Stimulating and timely.
David Priestland, "Guardian"
The virtueof Martin s book is that it exposes the deep flaws in the way we havetraditionally thought about money. The exposition is clear . . . Fresh.
Alex Brummer, "New Statesman"
Felix Martincondenses the broadest of subjects into a searing andpotentially life-changing read that destroys all accepted knowledge of this thing we sell our souls for.
"Shortlist"
So replete with literary and historical examples that the story almost tells itself . . . a lucid, colorful introduction to 3,000 years of monetary history.
Martin Sandbu, "Financial Times"
""
[Martin] wants to change the way youthink about money. He rejects thetextbook idea that it s an alternative tobarter, the oil in the engine of the world economy. He seesmoney as a liberating (though unstable) system ofcreating and exchanging credit. This original and thought-provoking history of what s inyour wallet also offers some controversial solutions to the financial crisis, such asraising inflation levels and writing off national debts.
"The Guardian" (UK) Summer Book Roundup
A most accessible and thrilling read. If you want to read just one book about money, this is it.
Ha-Joon Chang
Combines breadth of scholarship with a wealth of practical experience in tackling the most elusive of economic subjects the nature of money.
John Kay
Magnificent hugely imaginative, clear, coherent.
Robert Skidelsky
"[I]n this improbably lively account [...] Martin seeks a deeper understanding, relating money especially to power [...] Refreshingly free of jargon and long on ideas including the thought that if it s money that got us into our current mess, it s money that can get us out of it."
"Kirkus""
Praise for Money
Finalist for Guardian First Book Award
"'Money is often held to have arisen as a solution to the shortcomings of barter: traders needed a universally acceptable 'medium of exchange.' In this lively history-cum-polemic, Martin says that the theory is 'entirely false, ' and that the essence of monetary exchange is not 'the swapping of goods and services for this commodity medium' but a 'system of credit accounts and their clearing.'"
"Compulsively readable . . . Money is a fascinating and entertaining pep talk for bankers, economists and armchair revolutionaries dissatisfied with the current financial system, and an attempt to galvanize them into action."
Heidi N. Moore, New York Times Book Review
Felix Martin's remarkable book asks the big question: do economists have any idea what money is? His compelling answer is: no. You may not agree with the answer. But it will certainly force you to think.
Martin Wolf, author of Why Globalization Works
Felix Martin has written a wonderfully original and entertaining history of money. If you have ever wondered why the whole system seems so dangerously and chronically unstable, this is the book to read.
Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Lords of Finance
Felix Martin s remarkable book Money is economic history and indeed cultural anthropology with a difference . . . his sparkling book is worth taking seriously.
Raymond Tallis, Prospect
"An excellent book . . . Full of interesting history and insight . . .a beautiful and sometimes even entrancing study of human thought about money."
Tyler Cowen, Times Literary Supplement
"Blending history and economic analysis in his engaging first book, economist and bond investor Martin explains the development of sovereign currency and its critically important function in modern economies. . . Martin approaches his subject in entertaining fashion, discussing monetarism and monetary theory, from John Locke to the Federal Reserve System. . .Fluent, discursive, and informed. It holds considerable appeal for investors, their bankers, and those drawn to the mechanics of wealth."
Publishers Weekly
"[A] critical essay fizzing with ideas.
Noel Malcolm, Sunday Telegraph
Stimulating and timely.
David Priestland, Guardian
The virtueof Martin s book is that it exposes the deep flaws in the way we havetraditionally thought about money. The exposition is clear . . . Fresh.
Alex Brummer, New Statesman
Felix Martincondenses the broadest of subjects into a searing andpotentially life-changing read that destroys all accepted knowledge of this thing we sell our souls for.
Shortlist
So replete with literary and historical examples that the story almost tells itself . . . a lucid, colorful introduction to 3,000 years of monetary history.
Martin Sandbu, Financial Times
[Martin] wants to change the way youthink about money. He rejects thetextbook idea that it s an alternative tobarter, the oil in the engine of the world economy. He seesmoney as a liberating (though unstable) system ofcreating and exchanging credit. This original and thought-provoking history of what s inyour wallet also offers some controversial solutions to the financial crisis, such asraising inflation levels and writing off national debts.
The Guardian (UK) Summer Book Roundup
A most accessible and thrilling read. If you want to read just one book about money, this is it.
Ha-Joon Chang
Combines breadth of scholarship with a wealth of practical experience in tackling the most elusive of economic subjects the nature of money.
John Kay
Magnificent hugely imaginative, clear, coherent.
Robert Skidelsky
"[I]n this improbably lively account [...] Martin seeks a deeper understanding, relating money especially to power [...] Refreshingly free of jargon and long on ideas including the thought that if it s money that got us into our current mess, it s money that can get us out of it."
Kirkus"
Praise for Money Finalist for Guardian First Book Award "'Money is often held to have arisen as a solution to the shortcomings of barter: traders needed a universally acceptable 'medium of exchange.' In this lively history-cum-polemic, Martin says that the theory is 'entirely false, ' and that the essence of monetary exchange is not 'the swapping of goods and services for this commodity medium' but a 'system of credit accounts and their clearing.'" "Compulsively readable . . . Money is a fascinating and entertaining pep talk for bankers, economists and armchair revolutionaries dissatisfied with the current financial system, and an attempt to galvanize them into action."
-- Heidi N. Moore, New York Times Book Review "Felix Martin's remarkable book asks the big question: do economists have any idea what money is? His compelling answer is: no. You may not agree with the answer. But it will certainly force you to think."
--Martin Wolf, author of Why Globalization Works
"Felix Martin has written a wonderfully original and entertaining history of money. If you have ever wondered why the whole system seems so dangerously and chronically unstable, this is the book to read."
--Liaquat Ahamed, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of Lords of Finance
"Felix Martin's remarkable book Money is economic history-and indeed cultural anthropology-with a difference . . . his sparkling book is worth taking seriously."
--Raymond Tallis, Prospect
"An excellent book . . . Full of interesting history and insight . . . a beautiful and sometimes even entrancing study of human thought about money."
--Tyler Cowen, Times Literary Supplement
"Blending history and economic analysis in his engaging first book, economist and bond investor Martin explains the development of sovereign currency and its critically important function in modern economies. . . Martin approaches his subject in entertaining fashion, discussing monetarism and monetary theory, from John Locke to the Federal Reserve System. . . Fluent, discursive, and informed. It holds considerable appeal for investors, their bankers, and those drawn to the mechanics of wealth."
--Publishers Weekly "[A] critical essay fizzing with ideas."
--Noel Malcolm, Sunday Telegraph "Stimulating and timely."
--David Priestland, Guardian "The virtue of Martin's book is that it exposes the deep flaws in the way we have traditionally thought about money. The exposition is clear . . . Fresh."
--Alex Brummer, New Statesman "Felix Martin condenses the broadest of subjects into a searing and potentially life-changing read that destroys all accepted knowledge of this thing we sell our souls for."
--Shortlist "So replete with literary and historical examples that the story almost tells itself . . . a lucid, colorful introduction to 3,000 years of monetary history."
--Martin Sandbu, Financial Times
"[Martin] wants to change the way you think about money. He rejects the textbook idea that it's an alternative to barter, the oil in the engine of the world economy. He sees money as a liberating (though unstable) system of creating and exchanging credit. This original and thought-provoking history of what's in your wallet also offers some controversial solutions to the financial crisis, such as raising inflation levels and writing off national debts."
--The Guardian (UK) Summer Book Roundup "A most accessible and thrilling read. If you want to read just one book about money, this is it."
--Ha-Joon Chang "Combines breadth of scholarship with a wealth of practical experience in tackling the most elusive of economic subjects-the nature of money."
--John Kay "Magnificent-hugely imaginative, clear, coherent."
--Robert Skidelsky "[I]n this improbably lively account [...] Martin seeks a deeper understanding, relating money especially to power [...] Refreshingly free of jargon and long on ideas--including the thought that if it's money that got us into our current mess, it's money that can get us out of it."
--Kirkus
Money was one of man’s greatest inventions. But we have become its slaves. Felix Martin takes us to the heart of society’s misunderstanding of money and sets us straight.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
- PublisherBodley Head
- Publication date2013
- ISBN 10 1847922341
- ISBN 13 9781847922342
- BindingPaperback
- Number of pages336
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