The Dinosaur Among Us is a fast-moving expose of the World Bank, the preeminent poverty fighting institution and a veritable United Nations of finance. Founded in a spirit of post World War II optimism, the Bank squanders its opportunities, and the book examines the actors in this tragic comedy: the wealthy nations, the poor borrowers, the Board of Directors and the staff. As poverty's two stepchildren-- terrorism and failed states-- cause increased headaches for the West, advancing the Third world is vitally important. Yet, as the author points out, the Bank fails to adapt to modern conditions and sows the seeds of its own demise, demonstrating the need for a radical makeover.