A comprehensive introductory resource with entries covering the development of money and the functions and dysfunctions of the monetary and financial system. The original edition of The Encyclopedia of Money won widespread acclaim for explaining the function—and dysfunction—of the financial system in a language any reader could understand. Now a decade later, with a more globally integrated, market-oriented world, and with consumers trying to make sense of subprime mortgages, credit default swaps, and bank stress tests, the Encyclopedia returns in an expanded new edition. From the development of metal and paper currency to the ongoing global economic crisis, the rigorously updated The Encyclopedia of Money, Second Edition is the most authoritative, comprehensive resource on the fundamentals of money and finance available. Its 350 alphabetically organized entries—85 completely new to this edition—help readers make sense of a wide range of events, policies, and regulations by explaining their historical, political, and theoretical contexts. The new edition focuses most intently on the last two decades, highlighting the connections between the onrush of globalization, the surging stock market, and various monetary and fiscal crises of the 1990s, as well as developments, scandals, and pocketbook issues making headlines today.

This jargon-free resource explains the who, what, why, and where of contemporary personal finance in simple, easy-to-grasp language, covering the key people, events, terms, tools, policies, and products that make up modern money management. The ideal roadmap to 21st-century financial literacy, this layman's encyclopedia discusses ideas, concepts, events, and people that inform money management and personal finance. It explains the intricacies of things like investing, saving, debt, credit, and mortgages, and it drills down into complexities like the difference between 401(k) and 403(b) retirement plans. Entries invite the reader to explore common financial topics, such as seeking credit counseling, using credit cards, buying a home, and choosing insurance. Issues such as identity theft, derivatives, and taxes are explored as well. The unique work is topically organized with contributions from both academics and financial professionals. Entries are augmented by entertaining sidebar anecdotes and a glossary, and there is a useful feature that connects readers to online sources, enabling them to keep up with this fast-changing field. A one-stop resource ideal for individuals seeking to understand personal finance, this book will also prove valuable to students taking courses in finance and economics. All readers will come away better equipped to profit from money management and more skilled at making smart financial decisions.

 During ancient times currency took varied forms, including beaver skins, bales of tobacco, and sea salt blocks. As art and technology advanced, monetary systems and currencies altered. Today, coins and currency provide an historical and archeological record of culture, religion, politics, and world leaders. This updated second edition offers numerous entries of historical commentary on the role of coins and currency in human events, politics, and the arts. It begins with the origin of coins in ancient Sumer, and follows advancements in metallurgy and minting machines to paper, plastic, and electronic moneys designed to ease trade and halt counterfeiting and other forms of theft. A timeline of monetary history is provided along with a glossary and bibliography. Numerous photographs of coins and bills provide an up-close look at beautiful and ingenious artifacts.

Throughout history, money has developed along with society. During ancient times currency took many forms, including such varied items as beaver skins and sea salt blocks. As societies made technological and artistic advancements, their monetary systems and currencies advanced as well. Today, coins and currency are an important part of the historical and archaeological record, providing information regarding the culture, religion, interests, and major leaders of societies throughout the world. This reference work offers numerous entries of historical commentary on the role of coins and currency in human events, politics, and the arts. Not only does this sourcebook cover the evolution and circulation of money throughout history, it also includes biographical information on the designers of coins and the creators of various monetary systems. A timeline of important events in the history of money is included, along with a glossary and bibliography. Photographs of coins and bills enhance the text, providing an up-close look at many beautiful artifacts.

The Encyclopedia of Central Banking, co-edited by Louis-Philippe Rochon and Sergio Rossi, contains some 250 entries written by over 200 economists on topics related to monetary macroeconomics, central bank theory and policy, and the history of monetary