The Bank

At the end of the century, the creation of the European Central Bank heralded Europe's renaissance as a global economic superpower. The ECB, possessing a greater degree of independence and wider powers than any previous central bank, governs a currency that circulates among 290 million Europeans, and oversees an economic bloc matched only by the United States in size and might.The Bank provides a first-hand account - based on access to the key players - of the creation of the ECB, from the intrigue and in-fighting surrounding the appointment of a German-backed president, to the internal struggle over the bank's direction at the start of full operations. Matt Marshall, who was the Wall Street Journal Europe's correspondent in Bonn until he left to write this book, provides an authoritative analysis of the Bank's operations and prospects, and a detailed, rigorous examination of all the related issues of European and global power - financial, economic and political.The Bank also offers a wider context and analysis, explaining and examining fully the crucial impact of the bank on Europe's place in the world, and on national financial centres such as the city of London.'As Matt Marshall observes in his lively, well-argued book, the establishment of the ECB marks one of the most significant steps so far in European integration.' Financial Times'A gripping account of the intrigues and fights that accompanied the creation of the Bank...Essential reading.' Business Money'A book that should be read by all aspiring to lead the debate on whether Britain should join EMU.' CIB News