Culture | Money matters

The best new books to read about finance

The joys that can come from good writing about the dismal science

Emperor Galba depicted on Roman bronze coins found in the Thermopolium of Vetutius Placidus in Pompeii, Italy
Penny for your thoughtsPhotograph: Alamy

There is no shortage of books on the history of money, for the straightforward reason that publishing them reliably convinces readers to part with theirs. And no wonder. Money is a central part of everyday life, as well as being a route to power or ruin. It is strange, seductive and maddeningly difficult to understand, all of which makes it irresistible. Yet that allure rarely makes it to the page. Money is fascinating. But reading about money can be mind-numbingly dull.

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This article appeared in the Culture section of the print edition under the headline “Money matters”

From the October 5th 2024 edition

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