Hindsight Publications

Since 2001 Hindsight Books Ltd. has been reprinting books of particular interest to investors and students of investment history. These are printed on quality paper with sewn bindings in soft covers.

Titles released so far comprise:

City Men and City Manners The City, or The Physiology of London Business with Sketches on 'Change and at the Coffee Houses by David Morier Evans first published in 1845. ISBN 0954156749

Chronicles and Characters of the Stock Exchange by John Francis first published in 1849. ISBN 0954156706

The Great Swindle : The Story of The South Sea Bubble by Virginia Cowles first published in 1960. Contains a new introduction by Dr. Marc Faber. ISBN 0954156714

The Secondary Banking Crisis, 1973-75: The Inside Story of Britain's Biggest Banking Upheaval by Margaret Reid. First published 1982. Contains a new introduction by David Kynaston. ISBN 0954156722

From Forum to Futures : 2000 Years of Britain's Commodity Markets by David Courtney. First published 1991. ISBN 0954156730


Leather bound copies in slip cases, prepared by Bristol Bound, can also be supplied.

Hindsight Book Store

In addition to our own publications, Hindsight also maintains a catalogue of used and out-of-print books that includes titles in the field of Business, Corporate and Investment history available from our book store. For more information about collecting Company Histories see Lists and Bibliographies and about the field in general see Recommended Links.

Chronicles and Characters of the Stock Exchange Francis, John 2001 In this early history of stock trading in London, from its early days in Exchange Alley, Francis traces the rise of the National Debt from its institutionalisation under William III. The association of the Stock Market with the demands arising from War and political intrigues is made evident, as is the service rendered by the City - despite the notoriety of its money making powers, episodic fallout from crashes and panics, and the ever present temptation to corruption. That fraud is always with us is seen in early examples such as the unfortunately named Charitable Corporation when such scams could produce misery unmatched by modern day crimes. More widespread then was the corruption arising from the entanglement of government,debt and the exchange mediated through an unhealthy association of Politicians, Ministers, Officials, Schemers, Brokers, and Jobbers: "From the Alley to the House is like a path of ants", said Walpole. Ingenious schemes to raise money (and lower morals) are described, including Tontines, Lotteries and issuing insurance (gambling) on the lives of the Rich and (ailing!) Famous. The lotteries were a phenomenon that bordered on mania through the eighteenth century. Even barbers and sausage-makers concocted lotteries for their clients - (continued...) Browse more featured books

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