Capital of Capital: Money, Banking, and Power in New York City, 1784-2012 (Columbia Studies in the History of U.S. Capitalism)

We associate New York with finance. Yet it was not always that way. How did that come about? How did New York maintain that position among competitors? Those questions, among others, are answered in this new book.

This book is based on an exhibition in the Museum of the City of New York. It examines the role finance, banks, and other organizations that played in the growth of the city. It starts off with the Presidency of George Washington through modern times. Each chapter looks at a different period of time and explores, briefly, the major events, issues, and crises that banks faced and how they handled them. The banks do not always come out looking great, but it does give the reader an ability to see where the modern bank came from. And that is ultimately what makes this book one to read.

The book is written in a style many will find familiar with museum publications. It brings to life a topic that many are affected by, but might know little about. The writing style is nice and clean. It is an easy read for the average reader. Look here for the big picture, not the details.