This book, originally published in 1987 sets the British political and financial crisis of 1931 in an international context by concentrating on the bankers who were primarily responsible for leading the fight to protect sterling in a world context. 1931 marks the point at which the near-autonomy which bankers had achieved during the 1920s began to decline and 1931 was thus the last attempt of important groups to return Britain to the Edwardian era. The reasons for their failure to do this are still pertinent in today's international financial climate and this study provides a definitive account of an eciting episode in British politics.