“[Josse’s] exploration of the philosophical DNA of concepts of risk, value, contracts, fraud, and finance writ large starts like an itch that won’t go away and needs scratching, each vignette and chapter pulling the reader in more deeply into a discussion of the evolution of finance that I now find important and fascinating–thanks to this book.”
Steve Clemons
Editor at Large, The Atlantic
“A compelling, interdisciplinary journey into the arcane world of finance. Josse takes a dry topic and through modern day stories and historical references deftly educates and entertains. Each topic is intricately analyzed and then all the thoughts are threaded into a coherent and unique perspective and understanding of finance as both a science and reflection of underlying societal norms. I strongly recommend this book to practitioners and students who wish to understand finance in the context of global business and its impact on society.”
Bruce R. Magid
Dean International Business School
Brandeis University
“Jeremy Josse’s book takes you on a wild ride–from Dinosaurs to Joseph’s dream (the one speculator in history that had a direct line to the Almighty), from Macbeth to English ships at the end of the 19th century, from Lehman brothers to Ferraris, and from Talmudic scholars to antique map dealers. Faust, Marx and Atlantis (the lost continent) also appear in a slew of entertaining stories and philosophical musings which illustrate financial concepts such as derivatives, contracts, uncertainty, taxes and ownership. Josse has some strong views based on his many years of experience in the market… You may not always agree, but will always be entertained, informed and want to keep on reading.”
S.A. Ravid
Professor of Finance,
Sy Syms School of Business, New York
This edition first published 2015
© 2015 Jeremy Josse
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Jeremy Josse has spent the last 20-plus years of his career working as an executive in some of the world's leading financial institutions, including Schroders, Citigroup and Rothschild.
Josse was born in London, England, and earned his BA degree in Philosophy and Economics at Trinity College, Oxford University. He subsequently did a master's degree at University College, London University, in Political Philosophy/Economics, as well as qualifying as a banking attorney.
Josse's earliest thesis work at Oxford and London University related to certain theories of meaning as they pertained to economics. He has published numerous articles on a wide range of financial subjects including the credit crisis, bank restructurings, and financial engineering.