After our last Open Coin meeting George Walker took us into his office to continue chatting.
He is a fascinating chap, check out his CV (.pdf).
In the first OpenCoin meeting he said (in a strong Scottish accent):
“I think there is going to be a global currency. I call it the Global. This will either be a top-down currency from the IMF and World Bank, like existing SDRs (Special Drawing Rights), or a bottom-up, grassroots initiative, like what you are doing, which is much more exciting”
He went on to say:
“either you guys are going to be billionaires, or its fines and jail”.
And:
“I can defend you in court, I’ve not been to court for a while now, and then I can write a book about it”
Anyway, in his capacity as Professor in International Financial Law George teaches a popular course in Banking Law. He gives his students an introductory reading list which includes titles by authors such as Noam Chomsky, Howard Zinn and Naomi Klein. I spotted some of these titles on his bookshelf in his office and so asked for him to send me his list of books (.pdf), which he kindly did. 🙂
Considering it is an introductory reading list for a course in Banking Law there are a surprising and refreshing amount of relatively radical titles in the list. I was surprised however that none of my favourite money books were included.
So George, how about adding some (or all!) of these titles to your list?
[amtap book:isbn=1890132373]
You can download a pdf extract of this book here. See also author’s Beyond Money blog, his personal blog and website.
[amtap book:isbn=0712699910]
Read an interview with Bernard Lietaer in YES! Magazine’s Summer ’97 edition all about creating your own money. Also check out some key points from the book
[amtap book:isbn=1901970515]
A great little book with links to lots of further reading and info.
[amtap book:isbn=1853838950]
Another great book from David Boyle, associate at the new economics foundation
[amtap book:isbn=1897766408]
Grip of Death is the literal translation of Mortgage. Read the first chapter here
[amtap book:isbn=1870098811]
Read this book online here
[amtap book:isbn=1877333298]
Read a draft copy and critique of the book here and check out the author’s blog
[amtap book:isbn=0745317200]
A academic look at money from a marxist/ feminist perspective. Very well written.
[amtap book:isbn=0708317170]
Check out Glyn’s excellent website on the same topic.
[amtap book:isbn=1930748035]
See the American Monetary Institute’s website for more details
See also:
I’ve added George’s book list to this page (see “list of books” link in text).
George has asked for suggestion other books that should be included?
“Particularly anything following all of the recent crises in financial markets and their longer term revision, sustainability and success.”
Got a suggestion? Post it in a comment here 🙂
Thanks!
Josef.