The Man Who Saw the Future: William Paterson's Vision of Free Trade

This is the incredible story of one man’s vision of world commerce. William Paterson was a businessman and economic thinker far ahead of his time, whose place in history is assured. He founded the Bank of England, he helped broker the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England and, above all else, he envisaged a world where nations could trade unencumbered by monopolies and restrictive practices, and companies could be funded with international investment. All more than 300 years ago. In an attempt to realise his dream he set off on a daring voyage across half the globe to establish a trading emporium for the world at Darien, Panama. In the tradition of Longitude, The Man Who Saw the Future is the exciting story of buccaneers, political intrigue, economic vision, failed dreams, warring countries and dogged determination in the face of adversity.