The foundation of the discussion is a 1998 paper by Charles Goodhart using the old Chartalist approach to monetary theory to critique the new monetary system adopted by most Western European
countries in January 1999. It is reprinted here to introduce eight papers by economists, a political scientist, and a historian, many of them delivered at an April 1999 gathering at the New
School for Social Research. Some look at broad themes and historical trends, while other focus on relatively narrow concerns regarding the two theories. The chartalist and metallist approaches
view money as creatures respectively of the state and of the market. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
