The Bank of England - the Old Lady of Threadneedle Street - has played a crucial, if sometimes little understood role in the life of the nation for over 300 years. Financer of wars, issuer of notes, lender of last resort, watchdog of the City, and most recently as a powerful shaper of economic policy - in all these roles its actions and decisions have had far-reaching consequences.

Here, a distinguished group of historians and economists with first-hand knowledge of the Bank's past and present provides an authoritative and readable assessment of the major themes in the Bank's history: its relationship with government; its impact on the British economy; its position in the City of London; and its role in the international banking and monetary system.

We are also given an insight into the evolution of a uniquely British institution, its management, and some of the most colourful and influential figures associated with it, such as Montagu Norman, the commanding figure who was Governor from 1920-44. To bring the picture up to the present Rupert Pennant-Rea outlines the contemporary challenges of independence, restructuring, and European Monetary development.

Added value is given by two main appendices: a detailed chronology of the Bank's history; and a comprehensive listing of its governors, directors, and senior officials.