The Secret History of the South Sea Bubble: The World's First Great Financial Scandal - Hardcover

Malcolm Balen is the author of a much praised biography of Kenneth Clarke. With a degree in History from Cambridge, he is currently editor of ITN's Carlton news, having previously worked as editor of the BBC Nine O'Clock news and for Channel 4.

'As successive corporate accounting scandals surface in America, and global share prices again tumble, Balen reminds us that the murky tale of the first Bubble still stands as a cautionary tale for our time.' Lisa Jardine, Sunday Times 'They are rattling good yarns, and Balen spins them with all the mastery of the seasoned news man that he is.' Peter Jay, Guardian 'Author Michael Balen has picked a good time to tell a tale of skullduggery, mania, and greed...It is the classic story of boom and bust.' Express