The Library of Mistakes
The Library of Mistakes
World-leading financial history education
Beautiful
free-to-use library
Renowned online and in-person courses
Podcasts, events
and webinars
World-leading financial history education
Beautiful
free-to-use library
Renowned online and in-person courses
Podcasts, events
and webinars
Practical History of Financial Markets 2025
Come and study our renowned financial history course, delivered in person by our experts, in some of the world’s leading financial centres.
London
13-15 May 2025
£2,250 ex VAT
London
18-20 November 2025
£2,250 ex VAT
‘Weekend of Mistakes’ returns after sold-out first year with expanded programme featuring “Pre-Eminent Economists, Thinkers and Authors”
How did Edinburgh become the city of money over 300 years, only to fall from grace in the financial crash of 2008?
Supported by wealth managers RBC Brewin Dolphin and brought to you by the Library of Mistakes. Money Talks, Money Walks is an audio-guided walk through the history of the Scottish capital's relationship with money.
The Library of what?
Edinburgh’s Library of Mistakes is like no other venue: a hub of research, intellectual curiosity and conviviality set in the city's historic New Town.
The Library of Mistakes Course
Advanced Valuation in Financial Markets
Our renowned in-person course runs twice a year in London. The online version of our course, is available for both finance professionals and non-professionals.
As featured in the Financial Times
In conjunction with Heriot-Watt University
Upcoming events
The Stories We Tell – Narrative Economics and the Stage
Wed 19 March 2025
This is a companion event to the recent staging of Liam’s play, The Land That Never Was, about legendary Scottish conman Gregor MacGregor, who sold…
Harry Nimmo on Biggest ain’t best
Thu 20 March 2025
Harry will talk about the key lessons learnt when picking stocks, constructing portfolios and building a specialist investment business. He’ll look at the characteristics in…
Latest event
JP Smith on Emerging Markets — Great Expectations, Dismal Reality?
Past events
Xmas film night – It’s a Wonderful Life – film and introduction from Keeper, Russell Napier
Anthony Bolton on what I learnt as a fund manager
Jesse Norman on Adam Smith and the implications of his work for modern policy
Russell Napier on twenty-one lessons from financial history for the way we live now
Martin Barnes on The Debt Supercycle: In Its Final Innings?
Our Collection
We hold a selection of quirky curiosities and a fine collection of books — all related to the ups and downs of financial markets and businesses throughout the years.
You can view a sample of the books (and more) by clicking the button below.
Recent news
Library of Mistakes looks at…itself!
‘Weekend of Mistakes’ returns after sold-out first year with expanded programme featuring “Pre-Eminent Economists, Thinkers and Authors”
Hear board member Klyzza Lidman interviewed by our social media guru Leila Johnston
More about the Library
We are the perfect backdrop for you to host your event, whether entertaining clients, running a seminar or giving a presentation. High quality AV for streaming and room for 90 people in-person.
Looking cool and supporting the library is never a mistake!
For errorists (that’s fans of the Library!) we sell branded quality goods including t-shirts, mugs, postcards and pencils. Items are available to purchase in person from the Library.
For information use our contact page.
