It is so far the most comprehensive review of the International financial architecture. John Eatwell, one of the authors, is using the book for advocating strongly for a World Financial Authority. In the light of recent turmoils in the financial markets, the books focus will help to reassess the proposals made for reform of financial regulation.

An interesting story is the cover of the book. It shows the painting “The Two Tax Gatherers” (ca. 1540) by Marinus van Reymerswaele. Superficially, the painting would fit the topic of the book because it shows two people counting money.

On the other hand, Flemish Renaissance painters often sold their paintings to the same people they mocked for their greediness and desire for money: wealthy merchants and traders. Maybe unintentional the authors of the book are also mocking those which are supposed to read the book: financial regulators.