'The Bank for International Settlements, the most 'secretive' of international financial institutions, is where the central bankers of the world have their most open and confidential discussions. A distinctive trait of the BIS, throughout its history, has been its attention to financial stability. Taking a BIS perspective, this book offers unique insights into the history of the post Bretton Woods international monetary and financial system. A must-read.' Ivo Maes, National Bank of Belgium and University of Louvain