A classic of the 19th century, 'Lombard Street' describes the workings of the markets, international finance and central banks with a lucidity and insight that still dazzles. As Peter L. Bernstein, author of 'Against the Gods', puts it: "Walter Bagehot invented crisis management; after nearly 150 years, his wise words are still the prescription of choice for containing financial crises as well as a handbook for avoiding them."