This four-volume reference work presents more than 100 articles on the significant developments and issues of the 400-year history of the City of London. The coverage includes the City's early history and growth, its heyday, its decline, and its subsequent recovery to its current position - London being unique in having recovered its status as one of the world's major financial centres. Among the activities explored in detail are banking, foreign exchange, insurance and commodity broking, and the final volume discusses recent changes and developments, including deregulation and the City's increasing emphasis on financial services. Each volume contains a critical introduction.