In 2001, the London Stock Exchange will be 200 years old, though its origins go back a century before that. This book traces the history of the London Stock Exchange from its beginnings around 1700 to the present day, chronicling the challenges and opportunities it has faced, avoided, or exploited over the years.

Ranald Michie is Professor of History at the University of Durham, where he has been since 1974. He has also held visiting research fellowships in both the United States and Canada and has delivered papers in numerous international institutions. His international speciality is the history of stock exchanges having conducted research in both the British Isles and North America.