The King, the Crook, and the Gambler: The True Story of the South Sea Bubble and the Greatest Financial Scandal in History
“A great ripping yarn.” (Chicago Tribune)“Brilliant.” (John Snow)“Balen displays both understanding and incredulity in his account of the infamous 18th century trading scandal…a remarkable story.” (Kirkus Reviews)“Balen reminds us that the murky tale of the first bubble stands as a cautionary tale for our time.” (Lisa Jardine, London Times)“Bristles with contemporary resonance...Balen has a felicitous turn of phrase and the pace never flags.” (Financial Times)