The international monetary system, 1945-1981

An updated and expanded edition of The International Monetary System, 1945-1976. This is the most authoritative account we have of the great trek from Bretton Woods to Jamaica. As a key official of the Federal Reserve Board, the author was deeply involved in most of the episodes of crisis and reform in the 1960s and 1970s. There are no indiscreet revelations but simply first-hand details, sharp appraisals of some leading participants and, above all, good economics and clear writing. The step-by-step treatment that combines narrative and analysis will make the book a major reference work for a long time to come. -- William Diebold, Jr.