The Library of Mistakes
Based in Edinburgh, the Library of Mistakes is a free public library designed to improve understanding of finance, one mistake at a time. In this podcast series the Library's Keeper, Professor Russell Napier, speaks to leading financial history authors around the world, with Fraser Allen & Leila Johnston presenting an additional thread of episodes called Shelf Life.Series produced by Fraser Allen.
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EP 52: Shelf Life #11 The Smith Conversations
In this episode, Robbie Mochrie catches up with Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen to discuss a series of events he has organised to celebrate the 250-year anniversary of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations. Called The Smith Conversations, the programme begins on 9 March as a distinguished panel of guests assemble at the Library of Mistakes to discuss Smith on Equality. Further events explore Smith's thoughts on Wealth, Capitalism, Power and Education. See link below for tickets.<br />We also hear from Didasko CEO David Clarke as he playfully plans a bus-trip beano to the Weekend of Mistakes in Hay-on-Wye, while Library...
EP 51: The Business of History (with Tom Levitt)
Tom Levitt was exploring a course on 19th century history during the pandemic crisis when he stumbled upon WH Beable’s 'Romance of Great Businesses', a 1926 book exploring 32 iconic British companies. He was intrigued by the realisation that many of them still exist today (although mostly as brand names rather than intact corporations). It inspired the former teacher, MP and business advisor to delve into their stories and write his own book – The Business of History: Tales and Lessons from Two Centuries of British Commerce.<br />Listen in to Tom's entertaining discussion with Russell Napier about famous names such as WH S...
EP 50: Shelf Life #10 The Weekend Of Mistakes (with Alice Sherwood & Paul Greatbatch)
In the latest Shelf Life, we begin with a clip of Russell Napier speaking at this year's Mistake Of The Year awards at the Library of Mistakes - you can see the whole thing on YouTube (link below). We then discover the wonderful Weekend Of Mistakes, held every year in Hay-on-Wye, on the Welsh/English border. Inspired by the Library of Mistakes, the event shares the Library's mission of encouraging us all to learn from the mistakes of the past – and features a fantastic line-up of speakers in a wonderful setting. Organisers Paul Greatbatch and Alice Sherwood explain all to ou...
EP 49: Good Money (with George Selgin)
Join Russell Napier and American economist George Selgin as they discuss George’s book, ‘Good Money – Birmingham Button Makers, the Royal Mint and the Beginnings of Modern Coinage 1775-1821’. George’s colourful and impeccably researched insights into what served as money more than two hundred years ago remain every bit as relevant today.<br /><br />www.libraryofmistakes.com
EP 48: Shelf Life #9 (with Jonathan Ford & Neil Collins)
There's a festive feeling in the air for the last Shelf Life episode of the year, in which our guests are Jonathan Ford and Neil Collins. The pair are co-presenters of A Long Time In Finance, a history of finance podcast, which is now part of the Library of Mistakes family.<br /><br />Jonathan and Neil talked to us about their background as financial journalists, the thinking behind the podcast, and memorable moments from the series to date. There's also a spot of entertaining sparring between the duo, demonstrating their contrasting styles.<br /><br />Meanwhile, Librarian Helen Williams spotlights several...
EP 47: Money and Empire (with Perry Mehrling)
Join Russell Napier in discussion with author Perry Mehrling about the extraordinary life of Charles P. Kindleberger – central banker, US Department of State representative steering post-war German reconstruction, leading academic, and author of Manias, Panics And Crashes. Kindleberger was driven by the hope that, if he helped people understand how the dollar system really works, they would stop trying to destroy it. Perry's account is given additional nuance and insight through the friendship he developed with Kindleberger in his later years.<br /><br /><br />www.libraryofmistakes.com
EP 46: Shelf Life #8 (with Jen Mair)
There's a student takeover for this episode of Shelf Life as the talented duo of Megan Day and Emilie Stewart interview Jen Mair. Jen is Chair of Future Asset, the charity which encourages young women to consider a career in finance. She is also Strategic Initiative Lead at Franklin Templeton and has wonderful insights about working in the sector, ably quizzed by Megan and Emilie, who are both Future Asset alumni. We also have a big news update from David Clarke (CEO of Didasko) on what's happening at the Library, while Librarian Helen Williams picks out some of the Nobel...
EP 45: Shelf Life #7 (with Errorist In Residence Robbie Mochrie)
Once again, Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen are backstage at the Library of Mistakes, sampling highlights from the book collection, hearing about the many events and activities coming up, and meeting members of the team. <br /><br />In this episode we have an in-depth chat with the newest member of the gang, economist and author Robbie Mochrie, who has taken on the mantle of 'Errorist In Residence'. Among other things, Robbie tells us what he's got planned for our upcoming Adam Smith celebrations (2026 marks 250 years since the publication of The Wealth of Nations) and reflects on his book, How To T...
EP 44: Cents and Sensibility (with Gary Saul Morson & Morton Schapiro)
What happens when an experienced economist and an English literature expert have a proper conversation? Quite a lot as it turns out. Morton Schapiro and Saul Morson have written an outstanding book on what economists can learn from the humanities. They argue that Adam Smith’s heirs include Jane Austen, Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy – and that economists need a richer appreciation of behaviour, ethics, culture, and narrative – all of which the great writers teach better than anyone. Russell Napier joins the duo in conversation.<br /><br />www.libraryofmistakes.com
EP 43: Shelf Life #6 (with Iona Bain & Michael Gilmore)
Personal finance is the theme of this episode as we hear from two friends of the Library of Mistakes deeply committed to making financial understanding more accessible – particularly to younger people.<br />Iona Bain has made her name as a supporter of millennials striving to make the most of their finances, and is the resident money expert on BBC One's Morning Live. Originally from Edinburgh, she has also taken part in a series of videos with Russell Napier promoting the Library.<br />We also hear from Michael Gilmore, a Singapore-based fund manager who became so frustrated at the reluctance of th...
