In this riveting account, award-winning journalist Gillian Tett takes readers deep inside the financial crisis of 2008, revealing the intricate web of greed, innovation, and reckless ambition that led to the global economic meltdown. “Fool’s Gold” uncovers the story of a small group of bankers at J.P. Morgan, who pioneered the use of credit derivatives and inadvertently set the stage for the disaster that would engulf Wall Street and the world.

Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Tett explores the culture of the banking industry, exposing how complex financial instruments, initially designed to mitigate risk, spiraled out of control and became the very catalyst for widespread financial instability. She provides a unique perspective on the crisis, drawing on her background in anthropology to analyze the behavioral and structural flaws that precipitated the collapse.

“Fool’s Gold” is a cautionary tale of innovation gone awry, a gripping narrative that sheds light on the hidden forces that shaped the financial world and ultimately led to its near downfall. This essential read offers valuable insights for anyone seeking to understand the true nature of the crisis and the lessons that can be learned to prevent a future catastrophe.