Book excerpt: This title was first published in 2003. In this volume of essays - based on papers delivered to 2001 conference, International Banking and Financial Systems - leading European bankers and banking historians give their assessment of the evolution of central banking in 20th-century Europe. As well as providing a historical perspective, the volume also explores how the lessons of the 20th century may be brought to bear on current and future trends in central banking. In so doing, this volume provides an insight into the ways in which economic stability and growth has been, and can be, promoted.