Money makes the world go around. From the earliest bartering systems to today's sophisticated electronic transfers of billions of dollars in a split second, systems of exchange have conferred value upon goods and services and created the economic glue that binds individuals, businesses, communities, and nations together. In this volume, the authors present a colorful history of money in its economic, political, socio-cultural, and even pscyhological context. The first section focuses on banks and financial institutions. The second part covers the role of currency in national sovereignty; the impact of technology; debt, credit, and equity; and money markets. The final chapters explore emerging issues, such as risk management, and emerging forms of money and investment in the electronic age. Featuring a glossary and timeline, charts and graphs, index and references, Money is an engaging introduction to this vital component of the economy.