“Enlightening as well as fun to read, William Silber’s The Story of Silver reminds us that the economic history of the world is inseparable from the history of this precious metal.” Robert J. Shiller, Nobel Laureate in Economics
Description
How silver influenced two hundred years of world history, and why it matters today
This is the story of silver’s transformation from soft money during the nineteenth century to hard asset today, and how manipulations of the white metal by American president Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1930s and by the richest man in the world, Texas oil baron Nelson Bunker Hunt, during the 1970s altered the course of American and world history. FDR pumped up the price of silver to help jump start the US economy during the Great Depression, but this move weakened China, which was then on the silver standard, and facilitated Japan’s rise to power before World War II. Bunker Hunt went on a silver-buying spree during the 1970s to protect himself against inflation and triggered a financial crisis that left him bankrupt.
Silver has been the preferred shelter against government defaults, political instability, and inflation for most people in the world because it is cheaper than gold. The white metal has been the place to hide when conventional investments sour, but it has also seduced sophisticated investors throughout the ages like a siren. This book explains how powerful figures, up to and including Warren Buffett, have come under silver’s thrall, and how its history guides economic and political decisions in the twenty-first century.
Praise
“Enlightening as well as fun to read, William Silber’s The Story of Silver reminds us that the economic history of the world is inseparable from the history of this precious metal.” Robert J. Shiller, Nobel Laureate in Economics
“Deeply researched and authoritative…A well-informed history of silver’s allure.” Kirkus Reviews
“This sound and impressive book examines the political economy and monetary role of silver. Engaging and often humorous, The Story of Silver is quite a good read.” Richard Sylla, author of Alexander Hamilton: The Illustrated Biography
Details
| Language | English |
|---|---|
| Release Day | Feb 4, 2019 |
| Release Date | February 5, 2019 |
| Release Date Machine | 1549324800 |
| Imprint | Blackstone Publishing |
| Provider | Blackstone Publishing |
| Categories | Business & Careers, Nonfiction - Adult, Nonfiction - All |
Author Bio
William Silber is the Marcus Nadler Professor of Finance and Economics at New York University’s Stern School of Business and director of the Glucksman Institute for Research in Securities Markets. He is the author of several books, including When Washington Shut Down Wall Street and Volcker, an authorized biography of former Fed chairman Paul Volcker.
Narrator Bio
Jim Meskimen is a stage, film, and television actor who has appeared in many well-known movies and television shows. He acted in Apollo 13 and Frost/Nixon for director Ron Howard, both of which were nominated for Best Picture Oscars. His television appearances include The Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Friends, Lie to Me, Criminal Minds, and Parks and Recreation. He is also a painter, award-winning audiobook narrator, and audiobook director for Galaxy Audio.
Overview
How silver influenced two hundred years of world history, and why it matters today
This is the story of silver’s transformation from soft money during the nineteenth century to hard asset today, and how manipulations of the white metal by American president Franklin D. Roosevelt during the 1930s and by the richest man in the world, Texas oil baron Nelson Bunker Hunt, during the 1970s altered the course of American and world history. FDR pumped up the price of silver to help jump start the US economy during the Great Depression, but this move weakened China, which was then on the silver standard, and facilitated Japan’s rise to power before World War II. Bunker Hunt went on a silver-buying spree during the 1970s to protect himself against inflation and triggered a financial crisis that left him bankrupt.
Silver has been the preferred shelter against government defaults, political instability, and inflation for most people in the world because it is cheaper than gold. The white metal has been the place to hide when conventional investments sour, but it has also seduced sophisticated investors throughout the ages like a siren. This book explains how powerful figures, up to and including Warren Buffett, have come under silver’s thrall, and how its history guides economic and political decisions in the twenty-first century.
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