"The history of how society came to view, describe, and understand economic speculation remains critically relevant today, when speculation played a pivotal role in the 2008 housing market crash and the fallout that is still ongoing. Spectacular Speculation is therefore a welcome and highly recommended addition to world history and economic studies shelves."—James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review "We are still living in the shadow of the 2007-2009 financial crisis, whose origins and aftermath will doubtless continue to interest scholars and the general public for generations to come. The thorough historical analysis carried out by Professor Stäheli, a unique and vital addition to the history and sociology of finance, not only illuminates the past; it gives us a new perspective on our present and future."—Christian De Cock, University of Essex "Spectacular Speculation is a stunningly original and perhaps disturbing account of euphoria and hysteria in world financial markets. Urs Stäheli masterfully links together sociology, history and finance."—Werner DeBondt, DePaul University