Reading Group: Robert Wright's The First Wall Street
What is the best way to spend a $3 gold coin? How did early Philadelphia become a "City of Homes," whereas New Yorkers could only afford to rent a few rooms? (The more things change, the more they stay the same.) Have you ever considered insurance against "The Seas, Men of War, Fire, Enemies, Pirates, Rovers, Theivers"? How was Andrew Jackson not like George W. Bush?
Robert Wright considers these questions and more in his extraordinarily amusing account, The First Wall Street: Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, and the Birth of American Finance. Before Wall Street captured the imagination of financiers, Philadelphia's Chestnut Street was the center of American banking. In our discussion of the book, we will look into the policies and personalities behind the greatness of Chestnut Street, and New York's eventual dominance.
About
"Philadelphia and Its Future" is YIP's monthly reading and discussion group for members. The group allows us to further educate ourselves about our city and its history, and to debate issues of key relevance to Philadelphia's future. Readings draw from classic works on cities and urban planning, analysis of current economic development trends, and case studies of policies and initiatives successful here and elsewhere, as well as other sources. Chosen two months in advance, texts should be readily available in local bookstores or on the Internet.