"An essential new history of America's monetary origins. The Second Continental Congress faced multiple daunting challenges when it was convened in summer 1775. First the assembly had to create a de facto government for the loosely joined colonies that would become the United States. It then had...

In keeping with the dual nature of the monetary relationship, crises may take on two polar-opposite forms: the resurgence of either centralising or fragmenting trends. Both also upset the fragile balance that the hierarchised system has brought about. But, contrary to what a casual inspection...