Supported by ten years of research, Wigmore has gathered extensive data covering the 2008 financial crisis and subsequent recovery to provide the first comprehensive history of the period. Financial crises cannot occur unless institutional investors finance the bubbles that created them. Wigmore follows the trail of data putting pressure on institutional investors to achieve higher levels of returns that led to over-leverage throughout the financial system and placed such a burden on recovery. Here is a 'very good picture - and painful reminder - of the crisis' evolution across multiple asset classes, structures, participants, and geographies.' This work serves as a critical analysis of modern portfolio management and an important reference work for financial professionals, academics, investors, and students.

'Amazing data. Cogent. This book shines bright new light on many puzzles and controversies, dispenses with some conventional errors, and offers insights for new thinking.'

Andrei Shleifer - Harvard University

'Of the many books on the financial crisis this has an excellent chronology and unique fact pattern. It develops the main themes and causes and supports them with excellent analysis, capturing the period I worked through in a surprisingly readable manner. It is a must read for those in the financial business.'

Colm Kelleher - Former CFO and President of Morgan Stanley

‘The Financial Crisis of 2008 is essential reading for banking, investment, and insurance firm leadership but also for investors, analysts, economists, and students of financial and investment history. It depicts how widespread risk-taking at the firm level can morph into systemwide near collapse and how the mantra of homeownership for all must be considered in light of the associated financial risks and undisciplined creation of asset-backed securities. The book is required reading for a generation.’

Janet J. Mangano Source: Enterprising Investor