The Library of Mistakes

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.
Listen in to Tom's entertaining discussion with Russell Napier about famous names such as WH Smith, Boots and Cadbury – and, as an interesting aside, the thriving innovation of commercial lending libraries, before the advent of free public reading resources.
And if you're interested in Tom's guided history walks around London, find out more by searching for The Business Of History at www.londonwalks.com

www.libraryofmistakes.com

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 our regular hosts, Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen, and we also chat to our Librarian Helen Williams and our CEO David Clarke.
www.weekendofmistakes.org
www.libraryofmistakes.com

Mistake of the Year: https://www.youtube.com/live/W6ibPkVvXaQ?si=Rf3N3Bhz7sZb7-kO

To get in touch withn us, please email [email protected] or [email protected]

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.

www.libraryofmistakes.com

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.

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.

Meanwhile, Librarian Helen Williams spotlights several gems from our corporate history shelves, and David Clarke previews our December events.

And if you're fearful of Library of Mistakes podcast withdrawal symptoms, fear not as Russell Napier will be back with another interview before Christmas – plus there's a huge archive of podcast episodes and Library of Mistakes YouTube videos that you can freely access. Enjoy!

Shelf Life is presented and produced by Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen.
[email protected]
[email protected]

www.libraryofmistakes.com

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.

www.libraryofmistakes.com