Manias, Panics, and Crashes: A History of Financial Crises

Written by Robert Z. Aliber and Charles P. Kindleberger

Narrated by Alister Austin

Manias, Panics and Crashes , is a scholarly and entertaining account of the way that mismanagement of money and credit has led to financial explosions over the centuries. Covering such topics as the history and anatomy of crises, speculative manias, and the lender of last resort, this book has been hailed as 'a true classic...both timely and timeless.'

This seventh edition of an investment classic has been thoroughly revised and expanded following the latest crises to hit international markets. Renowned economist Robert Z. Aliber introduces the concept that global financial crises in recent years are not independent events, but symptomatic of an inherent instability in the international system.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ascent Audio
• Release date: Feb 8, 2021
• ISBN: 9781663727947

Reviews for Manias, Panics, and Crashes

[johnclaydon · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I gave five stars to the third edition. The fifth edition (isbn 0471467146) has Robert Aliber as coauthor.

[jwhenderson_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

In light of current events on the business front I have been dipping into a classic text that provides historical perspective for understanding the events of today.This is the classic Manias, Panics, and Crashes by Charles P. Kindleberger. He provides a succinct history of economic crises in ten chapters plus a conclusion as to "The Lessons of History". Interestingly he feels it necessary in his first chapter to explain: "This book is an essay in what is derogatorily called today "literary economics," as opposed to mathematical economics, econometrics, or (embracing them both) the "new economic history."" (pp. 7-8)Having received my own degree in Economics less than a decade before this book was published I found a kindred spirit in that I, too, preferred "literary economics", eschewing econometrics, et. al. I recommend Kindleberger's treatise as a good example of economics (without approving of all his views), history, or both. His analysis of various episodes of speculative fever in the markets and his thoughtful discussion of causes and lessons for today are worth reading and considering in light of our own economic turbulence.