The Summit
Bretton Woods, 1944: J. M. Keynes and the Reshaping of the Global Economy
Published on 12. April 2016
Book
Paperback/Softback
480 pages
978-1-60598-965-5 (ISBN)
Description
The idea of world leaders gathering in the midst of economic crisis is now familiar. But 1944's meeting at Bretton Woods was different. It was the only time the leading countries in the world agreed to overhaul the structure of the international monetary system. Their resulting system presided over the longest period of growth in history.
But what everyone has assumed to be a dry economic conference was in fact replete with drama. The delegates spent half the time at each other's throats and the other half drinking in the bar. All the while, war in Europe raged on.
The heart of the conference was the love-hate relationship between John Maynard Keynes-the greatest economist of his day, who suffered a heart attack at the conference-and his American counterpart Harry Dexter White (later revealed to be passing information to Russian spies). Written with exceptional verve and narrative pace, this is an extraordinary debut from a talented new historian.
But what everyone has assumed to be a dry economic conference was in fact replete with drama. The delegates spent half the time at each other's throats and the other half drinking in the bar. All the while, war in Europe raged on.
The heart of the conference was the love-hate relationship between John Maynard Keynes-the greatest economist of his day, who suffered a heart attack at the conference-and his American counterpart Harry Dexter White (later revealed to be passing information to Russian spies). Written with exceptional verve and narrative pace, this is an extraordinary debut from a talented new historian.
Reviews / Votes
"A gripping story for both general readers and scholars interested in World War II, the Cold War, and domestic and international political economy. The author knows how to write for those who are less informed about economics while telling the history of the turbulent conference through its leading characters and updating its legacy today. An essential purchase on this topic." -- Library Journal (starred review) "An entertaining and insightful history. Readers will love how Conway skillfully brings to life the goings-on in what the British snobbily called 'the monstrous monkey house' of Bretton Woods." -- New York Times Book Review "Brimming with the sort of vivid details that make the past come alive, The Summit is both an impressive work of scholarship and an absolute delight to read." -- Liaquat Ahamed, author of 'Lords of Finance' "Excellent. Conway superbly describes the political rivalries. Entertaining and informative, Conway's book mixes high partying with big thinking about serious matters." -- BBC History Magazine "Gripping. Conway tells how the participants set out to rid the global economy of the types of dangerous imbalances that lie at the root of the eurozone's current predicament." -- Financial Times "Compelling. The scope of the subject matter is impressive, and the execution is outstanding." -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review) "Brilliantly researched, and hugely entertaining, this is an essential book about one of the most important economic events of the twentieth century." -- Keith Lowe, author of 'Savage Continent'More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Dimensions
Height: 224 mm
Width: 147 mm
Thickness: 36 mm
Weight
514 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-60598-965-5 (9781605989655)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Previous edition
Book
03/2015
Pegasus Books
€42.27
Shipment within 3-4 weeks
Person
Ed Conway is the economics editor of Sky News. Previously he was the economics editor of the Daily Telegraph and the Sunday Telegraph. His appointment to this role, when only twenty-five, made him the youngest ever economics editor of a British national newspaper. He lives in London.