This book is really two books. The first – which I found original and fascinating – is on the negative consequences of the widespread use of cash in modern economies. Although the point has been made ...

The contrast between Brecht’s whimsy and the catch phrase of The Apprentice, ‘You’re fired.’, illustrates why the skills of the successful business leader differ from those of the successful ...

The triumph of the market system over the planned economy was probably the defining economic event of our lifetime, its symbol the collapse of the Berlin Wall in 1989. In the advanced economies of the ...

The 19 th century was the century of the rise of large states. Countries became bigger, empires were formed. Continental Europe saw the political reunification of German and of Italy. France, and ...

David Landes’ last book – The Wealth and Poverty of Nations – displayed the magisterial talents of the mature historian drawing on the reading and experience of a lifetime. In Dynasties, Landes adopts ...

Business historian Alfred Chandler documented the rise of the modern managerial corporation in his magisterial Strategy and Structure (1962).The book showcased General Motors, along with chemical ...

The search for insight into the rise of Donald Trump has propelled this elegantly written account of a Yale law school graduate’s Appalachian upbringing into the US best seller list. Vance describes a ...

Once upon a time, there was a wise and kindly Emperor, with a faithful retainer called Sid. One day, the Emperor took him aside ‘You are serving me well, and as a mark of my esteem, you will receive a ...

Sir John Kay is an economist whose career has spanned the academic world, business and finance, and public affairs. He has held chairs at the London Business School, the University of Oxford and the ...