'Dr. Van Der Merwe's book is an excellent and comprehensive discussion of the nature and drivers of market liquidity risk and its impact on financial asset prices. The book seamlessly integrates theory and references to the academic literature with reviews of empirical evidence and practical applications. Market practitioners should find this book invaluable both as an introduction to the topic and an accessible current review of academic research in this area.' Christopher L. Culp, PhD, Johns Hopkins Institute of Applied Economics and Institut fur Finanzmanagement, Universitat Bern 'Andria van der Merwe has produced a superb analysis of liquidity. Not only does she explain why 'liquidity' is a much more profound concept than most of us might initially think, but also how our institutions create (and inhibit) it. Bottom line: liquidity is valuable and, as with all items of value, it is costly to obtain.' Jonathan I. Arnold, PhD, Formerly Chief Economist, Office of the New York Attorney General