About the Author

Paul Strathern studied philosophy at Trinity College, Dublin. He has lectured in philosophy and mathematics. He is a Somerset Maugham prize-winning novelist; the author of two series of books - Philosophers in 90 Minutes and The Big Idea- Scientists who Changed the World; and, most recently, has written Mendeleyev's Dream (shortlisted for the Aventis Science Book Prize) and Dr. Strangelove's Game- A History of Economic Genius.

Reviews

"An excellent history... an entertaining, if ultimately dispiriting tale of the rise and fall of an ambitious banking family."
*Sunday Times*

"Strathern has done his research thoroughly, and tells a good story well."
*Sunday Telegraph*