Henry Cornell on Merchant Banking (Podcast)

'A Tale of Two Cities' is set against the backdrop of the French Revolution and portrays the lives of individuals caught up in the tumultuous events. The novel primarily follows the stories of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat, and Sydney Carton, a cynical English lawyer, whose lives become intertwined due to their love for Lucie Manette. Dickens explores themes of sacrifice, resurrection, and the cyclical nature of history. Carton's ultimate sacrifice for Darnay and Lucie embodies the novel's message of redemption and the potential for personal transformation amidst chaos. The narrative contrasts the opulence of the French aristocracy with the poverty and suffering of the common people, highlighting the social injustices that fueled the revolution.

In 'Catastrophe 1914', Max Hastings provides a comprehensive account of the events leading to World War I, focusing on the dramatic first year of the war. He explores the breakdown of diplomacy and the pivotal battles in Europe, arguing that Germany and Austria-Hungary were primarily responsible for the conflict. The book offers a detailed analysis of military strategies and political decisions, highlighting the human cost and the inevitability of a war of attrition.

Originally published in 1926, 'The Sun Also Rises' is Ernest Hemingway’s first novel and a classic example of his spare but powerful writing style. The novel follows a group of young American and British expatriates as they wander through Europe in the mid-1920s, capturing the moods, feelings, and attitudes of the cynical and disillusioned Lost Generation. The story centers around Jake Barnes, a World War I veteran and journalist, and Lady Brett Ashley, as they journey from the wild nightlife of 1920s Paris to the brutal bullfighting rings of Spain. The novel portrays an age of moral bankruptcy, spiritual dissolution, unrealized love, and vanishing illusions, reflecting the existential disillusionment characteristic of the Lost Generation.

Great Expectations is a classic novel by Charles Dickens that chronicles the life of Pip, a young orphan living in the marshes of Kent. The story begins with Pip's encounter with an escaped convict, Abel Magwitch, which sets off a chain of events that changes his life. Pip inherits a large fortune from an anonymous benefactor, which he uses to become a gentleman. However, his journey is marked by his unrequited love for Estella, the adopted daughter of the eccentric Miss Havisham, and his eventual discovery that his benefactor is not who he expected. The novel explores themes of social class, love, rejection, and the search for true identity, set against the backdrop of early 19th-century England.

The book examines the roles of central bankers Benjamin Strong Jr., Montagu Norman, Émile Moreau, and Hjalmar Schacht in the lead-up to the Great Depression. It highlights their adherence to the gold standard and the consequences of their decisions, which significantly contributed to the economic catastrophe. The narrative also draws parallels between past and present economic challenges and emphasizes the importance of flexible monetary policies, as advocated by John Maynard Keynes.

Written in a style of spontaneous prose, 'On the Road' is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows the travels of Sal Paradise and his friend Dean Moriarty across America. The book captures the spirit of the post-war Beat Generation, embracing a lifestyle of freedom, jazz, and rebellion against societal norms. It has become a defining work of American counterculture.

In 'Catastrophe 1914', Max Hastings provides a comprehensive account of the events leading to World War I, focusing on the dramatic first year of the war. He explores the breakdown of diplomacy and the pivotal battles in Europe, arguing that Germany and Austria-Hungary were primarily responsible for the conflict. The book offers a detailed analysis of military strategies and political decisions, highlighting the human cost and the inevitability of a war of attrition.

In this landmark account, Barbara W. Tuchman re-creates the first month of World War I, tracing the events from the funeral of Edward VII to the battles on the Western and Eastern fronts. The book focuses on the political machinations and military strategies that led to the outbreak of war, highlighting the roles of key players and the inevitability of the conflict. Tuchman's narrative is known for its comprehensive and engaging portrayal of the period, making it a classic in historical literature.

Published in 1949, '1984' is a cautionary tale by George Orwell that explores the dangers of totalitarianism. The novel is set in a dystopian future where the world is divided into three super-states, with the protagonist Winston Smith living in Oceania, ruled by the mysterious and omnipotent leader Big Brother. Winston works at the Ministry of Truth, where he rewrites historical records to conform to the Party's ever-changing narrative. He begins an illicit love affair with Julia and starts to rebel against the Party, but they are eventually caught and subjected to brutal torture and indoctrination. The novel highlights themes of government surveillance, manipulation of language and history, and the suppression of individual freedom and independent thought.