A Financial History of Western Europe (Economic History)

I like this history a lot. It's very complete and readable, even by a non-expert like me. I was actually inspired to read about the history of finance in Europe by the fiction books by Neal Stephenson called The Baroque Cycle, which is in part about the invention of the modern financial system, along with Pirates. It's really interesting to read about the real history.

arrived within the time frame, no complaints

This is a book you will always find helpful as a necessary reference to come back to. It covers centuries and several nations, don't expect an almanac approach to the technical data but rather data built around short, straight to the point narratives. The book is well written, organized, and researched. This is how I prefer to read my financial history with an emphases on the content, accuracy, and consistency, rather than disguised polemic and political agenda setting, as is the current trend in financial history books (Harvard, Princeton press...im looking at you). This is not for the casual reader looking for introductory information. Nuff said.*Note* This affordable paperback must have been released right before I bought my copy, becuase I might have purchased it, but glad I didn't. Although the price is nice YOU WILL USE THIS BOOK (I handle my hardback at least once a month over the last 4 years and its pages are still tight, its a 2nd ed from 1993) and paperback's life span is not of that as a hardback. Consider that before you buy this edition.

Kindleberger's work on financial history is designed as an undergraduate guide, but such is the wealth of detail and information that it serves as a useful reference tome long after the undergraduate work is completed. Kindleberger takes the reader step by step through the financial issues of the European economy as it developed from feudal to capitalist society. The explanations of the gold versus silver standard debate (bi-metalism) is particularly helpful and clear, given the complexity of the issue. The charting of the relative developments of the UK and Continental financial systems, and the advantages that they gave the British in the nineteenth century, are also well written.A reader looking for a wealth of data is likely to be disappointed. Figures are provided, but there are other books that will give reams of numbers for the economic historian (several of which are cited by Kindleberger - the references of this book alone are worth buying it for).Overall, this is widely and rightly regarded as a valuable contribution to the field of economic history.

The book shows that financial and monetary problems tend to recur in similar form over the centuries, as well as the means vor their resolution , and for this it provides the historical perspective.

i found this to be very interesting, and I've given it 4 stars, but I'm not really enough of an expert to be a good judge.