The Lords of Finance

Lords of Finance: The Bankers Who Broke the World by Liaquat Ahamed is a gripping historical narrative that chronicles the roles of four central bankers—Montagu Norman (Bank of England), Benjamin Strong (Federal Reserve), Émile Moreau (Bank of France), and Hjalmar Schacht (Reichsbank)—whose decisions shaped the global economy during the early 20th century. Set against the backdrop of World War I, the Great Depression, and the lead-up to World War II, the book reveals how their policies, particularly around the gold standard, contributed to economic collapse. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, it offers a powerful lesson on how financial leadership—and missteps—can impact the entire world.