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
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
Eoin McLaughlin on British pounds – Irish rates
Thu 15 May 2025
According to The Irish Times, 1956 was one of the most challenging years in the history of the Irish state. The macroeconomic crisis of 1955–56…
Dr Philip Luck on Trump’s tarriffs
Mon 19 May 2025
In the wake of the sweeping “Liberation Day Tariffs” introduced by President Donald Trump, global markets, trade partners and domestic industries are grappling with a…
Financial Communication: Turning Mistakes into Mastery – Using Techniques from the World of Acting (in association with CFA UK)
Wed 21 May 2025
Join us for a engaging evening led by Martyn Barmby, Managing Director at MSB Executive – and also a professionally trained actor. Martyn combines his…
Latest event
John Kay on the corporation of the 21st century
Past events
Harry Nimmo on Biggest ain’t best
The Stories We Tell – Narrative Economics and the Stage
JP Smith on Emerging Markets — Great Expectations, Dismal Reality?
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
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
Want to fully understand financial history? Then study Russia at the Library of Mistakes
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”
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.
