This book examines why the differences in comparative economic development across the world have a geographical pattern. It argues that there is a missing component in the geography versus institutions debate, namely the role of culture and its impact either directly on development or indirectly...

'There was a world BC (Before Crisis) and there will be a world AD (After Deleveraging) the challenge is to create an effective, efficient yet stable and sustainable financial system for this "new world". This book provides the most comprehensive and thought-provoking basis for action I have...

PrefaceAcknowledgments -- Introduction the political economy of currency choice -- A theory of currency policy preferences -- The United States : from greenbacks to gold, 1862-79 -- The United States : silver threats among the gold, 1880-96 -- European monetary integration : from bretton woods...

Frontmatter -- CONTENTS -- Preface -- Acknowledgments -- Introduction. The Political Economy of Currency Choice -- CHAPTER 1. A Theory of Currency Policy Preferences -- CHAPTER 2. The United States: From Greenbacks to Gold, 1862-79 -- CHAPTER 3. The United States: Silver Threats among the Gold,...