On a late spring morning in 2013 economics writer, Rand McGreal, stopped at a Seattle restaurant for a leisurely lunch. Shortly after Rand took a seat a stranger entered the nearly empty business. When Rand observed that the stranger was confused by the lack of a maitre d' at the door, he offered an explanation. The two began to converse. When the stranger introduced himself as Richard Cantillon, Rand was intrigued. Richard Cantillon was the name of a famous Irish economist. Rand wanted to know more about the stranger and his relationship to the real Richard Cantillon since the famous economist was the subject of Rand's next book project. The stranger proved to be quite versed in the theories of his namesake and Rand took advantage of the opportunity to bounce some question off a devotee of his next book's subject. Eventually, the two struck up a casual relationship, and Rand offered to give Richard, a British subject, a tour of downtown Seattle. The stranger insisted he was the real Richard Cantillon. Rand was incredulous, but enjoyed the conversation with the mysterious man about 18th century events and the theories of Richard Cantillon. The stranger's unfamiliarity with elevators, escalators and glass walled skyscrapers leads to some humorous incidents between the 21st century guide and the 18th (?) century tourist. The conversations between the two economists are true to the theories of each and provide some interesting insights into current events. The book provides a good introduction into the ideas of Richard Cantillon and how a modern economist applies Richard's ideas to the 21st century. The conversation is detailed and will leave the reader pondering the ideas of the man acknowledged as the first modern economist. The book ends as mysteriously as it begins, but promises a sequel in the same vein."