A clear, concise, illustrated guide to the workings of the global economy. Money is big news. Banks have collapsed, the property bubble has burst and national debts are at unimaginable levels. The Book of Money will help readers understand what is happening and how it affects them. It is a practical, understandable guide to all the nuances of the world of finance written for the lay reader. Financial journalists Daniel Conaghan and Dan Smith present authoritative, insightful, insider knowledge in a clear manner. They provide up-to-date coverage of the most important economic issues that affect us all. Topics include: History of economics Supply and demand Bank collapses, the property bubble and the global meltdown Stock markets, hedge funds Inflation, deflation, hyperinflation Pensions Coinage and paper money Economic forecasting Interest rates Economic class, the welfare state How countries cope with debt Electronic trading Microfinance Personal finance and tax systems Globalization The International Monetary Fund and World Bank How credit ratings work Can money buy happiness? Explanations are presented in a uniquely visual style. Numerous color illustrations, graphs, charts, timelines and Jargon Buster boxes aid in comprehension. Profiles describe key figures, and panels focus on special topics such as the Global Meltdown and PayPal. The Book of Money is an authoritative, straightforward guide to the complex world of global finance. It is an ideal introduction for the average reader new to the topic and a reliable, up-to-date review for those with some knowledge. It is an essential purchase for a large audience eager to understand our complex world.