A very interesting read. The historical aspects of this book are excellent, especially for those of us who have trouble speaking "banker". In many ways the book reads like several historical vignettes about the development of important elements of the financial system (with the obligatory nod the British Empire present in all his books). Each historical chapter is interesting and a relatively fast engrossing read. Ferguson uses the 2007/8 "Great Recession" to tie all the pieces together and in doing so stumbles a bit. At this point The book falls pray to the problem of all books on current events, it becomes dated. The sections on the current 2008 events capture the panic and utter despair of the time, but without recent developments the book feels a bit unfinished. But you cant fault Ferguson for not being able to see the future, overall great book for those looking for a snapshot of how the financial system got to where it is today, as well as a look into the mind set of the early 2008 crisis era.