{"title":"Sebastian Mallaby","description":"\u003cp\u003eSebastian Mallaby offers a compelling exploration of finance and investment through meticulously researched narratives that illuminate the forces shaping global markets. His works delve into the triumphs and trials of influential financiers, revealing the intricacies behind economic power and innovation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBlending biography with incisive education and reference, Mallaby's books provide rich insights into the personalities and ideas that have defined modern finance. Readers can expect engaging stories that deepen understanding of how money and markets influence our world.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-power-law","title":"The Power Law","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom an award-winning financial historian comes the gripping, character-driven story of venture capital and the world it made.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eInnovations rarely come from \"experts.\" Jeff Bezos was not a bookseller; Elon Musk was not in the auto industry. When it comes to innovation, a legendary venture capitalist told Sebastian Mallaby, the future cannot be predicted, it can only be discovered. Most attempts at discovery fail, but a few succeed at such a scale that they more than make up for everything else. That extreme ratio of success and failure is the power law that drives venture capital, Silicon Valley, the tech sector, and, by extension, the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDrawing on unprecedented access to the most celebrated venture capitalists of all time, award-winning financial historian Sebastian Mallaby tells the story of this strange tribe of financiers who have funded the world's most successful companies, from Google to SpaceX to Alibaba. With a riveting blend of storytelling and analysis, \u003cem\u003eThe Power Law\u003c\/em\u003e makes sense of the seeming randomness of success in venture capital, an industry that relies, for good and ill, on gut instinct and personality rather than spreadsheets and data. We learn the unvarnished truth about some of the most iconic triumphs and infamous disasters in the history of tech, from the comedy of errors that was the birth of Apple to the venture funding that fostered hubris at WeWork and Uber to the industry's notorious lack of women and ethnic minorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNow the power law echoes around the world—it has transformed China's digital economy beyond recognition, and London is one of the top cities for venture capital investment. By taking us so deeply into the VCs' game, \u003cem\u003eThe Power Law\u003c\/em\u003e helps us think about our own future through their eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45658260635884,"sku":"9780141988948","price":32.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780141988948.jpg?v=1724851029"},{"product_id":"the-man-who-knew","title":"The Man Who Knew","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Man Who Knew\u003c\/em\u003e by Sebastian Mallaby is a compelling and meticulously researched biography that delves into the life and legacy of Alan Greenspan, one of the most influential figures in the world of finance. This book takes readers on a journey through Greenspan's remarkable career, from his humble beginnings to his unprecedented influence on global economic policy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs a child born in 1926, Greenspan was raised in Manhattan by a single mother and immigrant grandparents during the hardships of the Great Depression. Despite these challenging circumstances, his quiet intellect and insatiable curiosity led him to become a towering figure in financial history. Appointed by President Ronald Reagan as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Greenspan held this powerful position for eighteen years. During his tenure, he oversaw a period of significant economic stability and low inflation, gaining reverence among economists and adoration from investors. His counsel was sought by leaders from Beijing to Frankfurt, cementing his status as a global financial 'maestro'.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, Greenspan was a man of contradictions. A staunch advocate of the Gold Standard, yet his great success lay in proving that the discretionary judgments of a money-printing central bank could stabilise an economy. As a data-hound, he meticulously analysed economic indicators to guide his policies; yet, as an eligible society bachelor, he navigated high society with equal aplomb.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGreenspan's ability to foresee economic trends was both his acclaim and his downfall. He warned early of the irrational exuberance in the marketplace, a prescient observation that would haunt him when the financial crash of 2008 occurred, just two years after his resignation. Critics laid part of the blame on his policies, despite his earlier cautions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn \u003cem\u003eThe Man Who Knew\u003c\/em\u003e, Sebastian Mallaby paints a nuanced portrait of Greenspan, showcasing the complexities and subtleties of his legacy. The book is richly filled with high-octane political infighting, incisive dialogue, and vivid storytelling. Mallaby's extensive research and gripping narrative unravel the story of the making of modern finance, highlighting Greenspan's unique role in shaping contemporary economic thought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWinner of the 2016 FT \u0026amp; McKinsey Business Book of the Year Award, this biography offers an unprecedented insight into the enigmatic figure of Alan Greenspan. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intricacies of economic policy and the individuals who influence its direction.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45707188601068,"sku":"9781408830956","price":27.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781408830956.jpg?v=1725896979"},{"product_id":"more-money-than-god","title":"More Money Than God","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eMore Money Than God\u003c\/em\u003e by Sebastian Mallaby is an engrossing exploration of the enigmatic world of hedge funds, blending riveting storytelling with astute financial analysis. This meticulously researched book takes readers on a journey through the evolution of hedge funds from their origins in the mid-20th century to their pivotal role in the financial crises of the late 2000s. Through unparalleled access to industry insiders, Mallaby demystifies these complex financial instruments and the colourful characters who operate within this high-stakes world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eShortlisted for the Financial Times\/Goldman Sachs Business Book of the Year Award, \u003cem\u003eMore Money Than God\u003c\/em\u003e delves into the lives of the risk-takers who thrive on the edge of financial markets. Meet Jim Simons, a former mathematician and code-breaker, whose work in theoretical geometry made significant contributions to string theory before he revolutionised finance. Follow Ken Griffin as he navigates the trading world from his Harvard dorm room, and witness Paul Tudor Jones’s thrilling anticipation of a 1929-style crash, which he described as ‘total rock-and-roll.’ Encounter Michael Steinhardt, whose intimidating management style included breaking down his underlings, once inducing an employee to declare, \"All I want to do is kill myself,\" to which Steinhardt chillingly retorted, \"Can I watch?\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMore than just a collection of intriguing biographies, this book is a narrative of discovery. Hedge funds, with their aggressive risk-reward models, are at the forefront of financial innovation. Drawing on insights from mathematics, economics, and psychology, Mallaby illustrates how these funds have cracked the mysteries of the market, generating wealth and influencing global economics. Their innovative strategies have not only created new markets in exotic financial instruments but also challenged and reshaped the very foundations of capitalism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the catastrophic failures of major banks, brokers, home lenders, insurers, and money market funds during the 2007-2009 financial crisis, hedge funds remarkably weathered the storm. Mallaby argues that their resilience suggests money can indeed be managed successfully without the crutch of taxpayer-funded bailouts. This makes \u003cem\u003eMore Money Than God\u003c\/em\u003e indispensable for anyone contemplating the future of finance, as it provides a profound understanding of the past and present dynamics of hedge funds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough compelling narrative and incisive analysis, \u003cem\u003eMore Money Than God\u003c\/em\u003e serves as both an educational resource and an entertaining read, offering a unique window into a world where fortunes are made and lost in a heartbeat. Whether you are a financial professional, an investor, or simply someone fascinated by the mechanisms of modern capitalism, this book will provide you with valuable insights and a deeper appreciation of the hedge fund industry's enduring impact.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45760033226988,"sku":"9781408809754","price":35.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781408809754.jpg?v=1726985850"},{"product_id":"the-worlds-banker","title":"The World's Banker","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAppointed president of the World Bank in 1995, James Wolfensohn arrived with a whirlwind of energy and a vision to reinvent the institution founded by Franklin Roosevelt and his World War II allies. In \u003cem\u003eThe World's Banker\u003c\/em\u003e by Sebastian Mallaby, readers are taken through an enthralling narrative of how Wolfensohn's dynamic leadership transformed the World Bank's approach to global development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWolfensohn boldly championed debt relief for the world's poorest countries, introducing taboo subjects such as corruption into the development agenda. His tenure saw him face off against the vocal critics of the anti-globalisation movement, bringing the Bank to an unprecedented level of public attention and controversy. From global financial crises to the pressing threat of AIDS, and the emergence of terrorist sanctuaries in failed states, Wolfensohn’s World Bank tackled the most urgent challenges to global security.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMallaby's vivid account highlights Wolfensohn's relentless efforts to reconstruct a post-war Bosnia, combat endemic corruption and currency collapse in Indonesia, fight the devastating AIDS epidemic in India, and lift millions out of poverty in Uganda. The author captures the complexities and high stakes of these missions, providing an eye-opening view into the workings of global development and international finance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBehind this gripping narrative lies a critical question about the future: with the world's population projected to rise from 6 to 8 billion in the next quarter of a century, can the World Bank continue to meet these growing challenges? \u003cem\u003eThe World's Banker\u003c\/em\u003e is not only a biography of one of the most influential figures in global finance but also a deep dive into the institution that stands as the world's leading mechanism for addressing global poverty and fostering development.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFilled with rich storytelling and meticulous research, \u003cem\u003eThe World's Banker\u003c\/em\u003e provides an unfiltered look at the trials and tribulations encountered by a pivotal financial institution in the modern era. This seminal work is essential reading for anyone interested in international economics, global development, and the complex dynamics of global governance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Gardners Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45763477340396,"sku":"9780300116762","price":95.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780300116762.jpg?v=1727094274"},{"product_id":"the-infinity-machine-by-sebastian-mallaby-9780241703557","title":"The Infinity Machine","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA revelatory portrait of the visionary behind Google DeepMind, the race to control the future - and what it means to win.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEven in a tech world crowded with visionary leaders, Demis Hassabis is recognised as a special case. Born to working-class, immigrant parents in North London, a chess prodigy by five and wizard coder in his teens, he turned down a seven-figure job offer from a video-game studio to study science at Cambridge. Long before the current obsession with AI, he founded the path-breaking company DeepMind in order to pursue a single, audacious goal - the dream of artificial superintelligence, which would solve humanity's hardest problems, change life and work as we know it, and perhaps even unlock the deepest mysteries of the Universe. For his scientific achievements, he won a Nobel Prize in 2024, and his company, now Google DeepMind, is considered the tech giant's engine room.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor the past three years, Sebastian Mallaby has had unprecedented access to Hassabis and DeepMind, conducting hundreds of hours of interviews with him and his inner circle as well as detractors and rivals at other companies. The result is a revelation-packed portrait of a singular mind and a historic reckoning with the AI revolution, a shift potentially more significant than any since the dawn of complex thought 70,000 years ago.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs Mallaby chronicles, DeepMind is locked in an arms race with Silicon Valley competitors to build artificial general intelligence, and thereby become the keeper of humanity's future. Yet this is not a Silicon Valley story. Hassabis has remained in Britain, and unlike his rivals, his aims are not wealth and power but scientific enlightenment. Like them, however, he is haunted by the memory of Robert Oppenheimer, the creator of the atom bomb. He aims to control the technology, but the technology may ultimately control him - and humanity writ large.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Infinity Machine\u003c\/em\u003e by Sebastian Mallaby offers an insightful exploration into the challenges and ethical considerations of pursuing AI, highlighting a unique journey toward scientific advancement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47288931025132,"sku":"9780241703557","price":34.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780241703557.jpg?v=1770580829"},{"product_id":"the-man-who-knew-by-sebastian-mallaby-9780143111092","title":"The Man Who Knew","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e“Exceptional . . . Deeply researched and elegantly written . . . As a description of the politics and pressures under which modern independent central banking has to operate, the book is incomparable.” \u003cem\u003e—Financial Times\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe definitive biography of the most important economic statesman of our time, from the bestselling author of \u003cem\u003eThe Power Law\u003c\/em\u003e and \u003cem\u003eMore Money Than God\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSebastian Mallaby's magisterial biography of Alan Greenspan, the product of over five years of research based on untrammeled access to his subject and his closest professional and personal intimates, brings into vivid focus the mysterious point where the government and the economy meet. To understand Greenspan's story is to see the economic and political landscape of our time \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e—\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e and the presidency from Reagan to George W. Bush \u003cstrong\u003e\u003cem\u003e—\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e in a whole new light. As the most influential economic statesman of his age, Greenspan spent a lifetime grappling with a momentous shift: the transformation of finance from the fixed and regulated system of the post-war era to the free-for-all of the past quarter century. The story of Greenspan is also the story of the making of modern finance, for good and for ill.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGreenspan's life is a quintessential American success story: raised by a single mother in the Jewish émigré community of Washington Heights, he was a math prodigy who found a niche as a stats-crunching consultant. A master at explaining the economic weather to captains of industry, he translated that skill into advising Richard Nixon in his 1968 campaign. This led to a perch on the White House Council of Economic Advisers, and then to a dazzling array of business and government roles, from which the path to the Fed was relatively clear. A fire-breathing libertarian and disciple of Ayn Rand in his youth who once called the Fed's creation a historic mistake, Mallaby shows how Greenspan reinvented himself as a pragmatist once in power. In his analysis, and in his core mission of keeping inflation in check, he was a maestro indeed, and hailed as such. At his retirement in 2006, he was lauded as the age's necessary man, the veritable God in the machine, the global economy's avatar. His memoirs sold for record sums to publishers around the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eBut then came 2008. Mallaby's story lands with both feet on the great crash which did so much to damage Alan Greenspan's reputation. Mallaby argues that the conventional wisdom is off base: Greenspan wasn't a naïve ideologue who believed greater regulation was unnecessary. He had pressed for greater regulation of some key areas of finance over the years, and had gotten nowhere. To argue that he didn't know the risks in irrational markets is to miss the point. He knew more than almost anyone; the question is why he didn't act, and whether anyone else could or would have. A close reading of Greenspan's life provides fascinating answers to these questions, answers whose lessons we would do well to heed. Because perhaps Mallaby's greatest lesson is that economic statesmanship, like political statesmanship, is the art of the possible. \u003cem\u003eThe Man Who Knew\u003c\/em\u003e is a searching reckoning with what exactly comprised the art, and the possible, in the career of Alan Greenspan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Penguin Random House NZ","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47742072684780,"sku":"9780143111092","price":68.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9780143111092-the-man-who-knew.jpg?v=1781433823"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/collections\/sebastian-mallaby.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}