Liam Ostermann's Reviews > The Summit: Bretton Woods, 1944: J.M. Keynes and the Reshaping of the Global Economy

A fascinating, and easily understood account of the creation of the post WWIi economic order which, we are still living with. One of the great strengths of this book is that it places plans for what happened after the war back within the story of WWII. What happened at Bretton Woods in 1944 had far greater consequences then the far better know stories of battles and political decisions that garner far more attention because, as the peace of Versailles that ended WWI demonstrated with such lamentable results, that if you don't get the economics sorted out all other decisions are soon rendered obsolete.

If you are interested in WWII, or its post war consequences, or are just curious about how are current international financial system came into existence and how it works (or fails to work) this is book you will find essential reading. I must pay tribute to Mr. Conway's ability to render extremely complex economics into comprehensible language (and I say that as some one who has no grasp of complex mathematics or economic models) without vulgarising or dumbing down. It is rare and splendid talent to make the complex comprehensible.