| Description |
1 online resource (viii, 287 pages) : illustrations. |
| Physical Medium |
polychrome |
| Description |
text file |
| Series |
Yale series in economic and financial history
|
|
Yale series in economic and financial history.
|
| Bibliography |
Includes bibliographical references and index. |
| Summary |
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. |
| Contents |
"All trades and places knew some cheat" -- Unreliable virtue -- Vice on trial -- An empire of optimism -- Principals, agents, and their mutual friends -- Reputation contagion -- The detection of lies, lives, and agents -- The observance of trifles -- A gorgeous vulgarity -- The verification bureau -- "Money, money, money, and what money can make of life!" |
| Local Note |
eBooks on EBSCOhost EBSCO eBook Subscription Academic Collection - North America |
| Subject |
Capitalism -- Great Britain -- History -- 19th century.
|
|
Capitalism. |
|
Great Britain. |
|
History. |
| Chronological Term |
19th century |
| Subject |
Financial institutions -- Corrupt practices -- History.
|
|
Financial institutions -- Corrupt practices. |
|
Financial institutions. |
| Chronological Term |
1800-1899 |
| Genre/Form |
Electronic books.
|
|
History.
|
| Other Form: |
Print version: Klaus, Ian. Forging capitalism 9780300181944 (OCoLC)875644393 |
| ISBN |
9780300181944 (electronic book) |
|
0300181949 (electronic book) |
|
9780300188332 (electronic book) |
|
0300188331 (electronic book) |
|
