Forging capitalism
Subtitle: rogues, swindlers, frauds and the rise of modern finance
By: Ian Klaus
Series: Yale series in economic and financial history; Yale series in economic and financial history
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 2014
Language: eng
Number of pages: 287
ISBN-13: 9780300181944
Copyright date: 2014
Subjects: Financial institutions; Capitalism; Corrupt practices; History
Description: Vice is the true father of Western capitalism, according to Ian Klaus in this fascinating, wildly entertaining, and often startling history of modern finance. Rather than the noble pursuit of gentlemen, international financial affairs in the nineteenth century were conducted in large part, the author suggests, by connivers, thieves, swindlers and frauds who believed that no risk was too great and no scheme too outrageous if the monetary reward was substantial enough. Taken together, these grand deceptions and the determined efforts made to guard against them were instrumental in creating the financial establishments of today. In a story teeming with playboys and scoundrels and rich in colourful, often incredible events, Klaus chronicles the evolution of trust institutions through three distinct incarnations: those constructed around values, those constructed around networks and reputations, and, ultimately, those constructed around skepticism, technology and verification. In an age when the questionable dealings of gargantuan international monetary organizations are continually in the spotlight, this extraordinary history has great relevance, offering essential lessons on both the importance and the limitations of trust in today's world.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: "All trades and places knew some cheat"; title: Unreliable virtue; title: Vice on trial; title: An empire of optimism; title: Principals, agents, and their mutual friends; title: Reputation contagion; title: The detection of lies, lives, and agents; title: The observance of trifles; title: A gorgeous vulgarity; title: The verification bureau; title: "Money, money, money, and what money can make of life!"