David Standish: The Art Of Money

Chronicle Books

$49.95

What's on paper money says a lot about the country it comes from, writes Standish, as he takes us on a lush tour of paper currencies.

Many of the notes reproduced are beautiful ("flat-out gorgeous," Standish says, using the Netherlands 50-guilden bill featuring golden sunflower and nuzzling bee as an example) yet these quirky currencies are a vanishing species.

The Euro is about to wipe out several currencies; the American dollar is ubiquitous and the trend to electronic transactions is growing.

This is a delightful, fascinating tribute to paper money, its history, the artistic and nationalistic endeavour apparent in its often extravagant appearance. A must for anyone interested in history and graphics.