Table of Contents

1: The world in crisis
2: Life on credit
3: Bank failures
4: Why Wall Street became a gambling casino
5: Main Street also gambled
6: Hot potatoes
7: Policy failure
8: The extent of the damage
9: Rescue attempts
10: Will the West retain its stability?
11: Ways to a better banking system

About the Author

Hans-Werner Sinn is Chair of Economics and Public Finance at the University of Munich and President of the combined Institute for Economic Research and Center for Economic Studies (CES-ifo). He has published numerous scholarly journals and books but is also a leading commentator on contemporary economic affairs in Germany and has published a number of best selling books.

Reviews

`Review from previous edition An entertaining and provocative book.
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David Laidler, Professor of Economics, University of Western Ontario
`Highly recommended.
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Barry Eichengreen, Professor of Economics, University of Berkeley
`Praise for the German edition: A factually rich and clearly structured analysis.
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FAZ, Gerald Braunberger
`Sinn's analysis is the most readable and best (popular science) account of the financial crisis that has yet appeared.
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Sebastian Dullien, Financial Times
`One of the best books I've seen on the financial crisis. It is engagingly written and stands out for its precision and exceptional analytical depth.
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Jean-Claude Trichet, President, European Central Bank
`This book is as gripping as a thriller and provides meticulous analysis instead of moralizing appeals. Recommended for everyone who wishes to understand the financial crisis and its consequences.
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Clemens Fuest, Professor of Economics, Oxford University, Chairman of German Finance Ministry Advisory Committee
`There are bad and good books on the financial crisis. And there is Hans-Werner Sinn's book, by far the best book on the subject - a book one wishes to have written oneself.
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Wolfgang Wiegard, Professor of Economics, Member of the German Council of Economic Advisors
`Sinn proves again his deep and subtle expertise in global financial economics, which has contributed to his ranking among the most reputable economists of our times.
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Andre Horovitz, Investment Banker
`It is a highly enjoyable read: warmly recommended not only for economists!
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Reint Gropp, Professor of Economics, Business School Oestrich-Winkel