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The Library of Mistakes

The Library of Mistakes

Written by: Library of Mistakes
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 Based in Edinburgh, the Library of Mistakes is a free public library designed to improve understanding of finance, one mistake at a time. In this podcast series the Library's Keeper, Professor Russell Napier, speaks to leading financial history authors around the world, with Fraser Allen & Leila Johnston presenting an additional thread of episodes called Shelf Life.
Series produced by Fraser Allen.The Library of Mistakes Economics Personal Finance World
Episodes
  • EP 52: Shelf Life #11 The Smith Conversations

    EP 52: Shelf Life #11 The Smith Conversations
    Feb 13 2026
    In this episode, Robbie Mochrie catches up with Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen to discuss a series of events he has organised to celebrate the 250-year anniversary of Adam Smith's Wealth of Nations. Called The Smith Conversations, the programme begins on 9 March as a distinguished panel of guests assemble at the Library of Mistakes to discuss Smith on Equality. Further events explore Smith's thoughts on Wealth, Capitalism, Power and Education. See link below for tickets.
    We also hear from Didasko CEO David Clarke as he playfully plans a bus-trip beano to the Weekend of Mistakes in Hay-on-Wye, while Library of Mistakes Librarian Helen Williams provides her guide to books in the collection with a strong focus on that filthy lucre – money.

    Get your tickets for The Smith Conversations
    www.libraryofmistakes.com/lectures
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    46 mins
  • EP 51: The Business of History (with Tom Levitt)

    EP 51: The Business of History (with Tom Levitt)
    Feb 4 2026
    Tom Levitt was exploring a course on 19th century history during the pandemic crisis when he stumbled upon WH Beable’s 'Romance of Great Businesses', a 1926 book exploring 32 iconic British companies. He was intrigued by the realisation that many of them still exist today (although mostly as brand names rather than intact corporations). It inspired the former teacher, MP and business advisor to delve into their stories and write his own book – The Business of History: Tales and Lessons from Two Centuries of British Commerce.
    Listen in to Tom's entertaining discussion with Russell Napier about famous names such as WH Smith, Boots and Cadbury – and, as an interesting aside, the thriving innovation of commercial lending libraries, before the advent of free public reading resources.
    And if you're interested in Tom's guided history walks around London, find out more by searching for The Business Of History at www.londonwalks.com

    www.libraryofmistakes.com
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    41 mins
  • EP 50: Shelf Life #10 The Weekend Of Mistakes (with Alice Sherwood & Paul Greatbatch)

    EP 50: Shelf Life #10 The Weekend Of Mistakes (with Alice Sherwood & Paul Greatbatch)
    Jan 20 2026
    In the latest Shelf Life, we begin with a clip of Russell Napier speaking at this year's Mistake Of The Year awards at the Library of Mistakes - you can see the whole thing on YouTube (link below). We then discover the wonderful Weekend Of Mistakes, held every year in Hay-on-Wye, on the Welsh/English border. Inspired by the Library of Mistakes, the event shares the Library's mission of encouraging us all to learn from the mistakes of the past – and features a fantastic line-up of speakers in a wonderful setting. Organisers Paul Greatbatch and Alice Sherwood explain all to our regular hosts, Leila Johnston and Fraser Allen, and we also chat to our Librarian Helen Williams and our CEO David Clarke.
    www.weekendofmistakes.org
    www.libraryofmistakes.com

    Mistake of the Year: https://www.youtube.com/live/W6ibPkVvXaQ?si=Rf3N3Bhz7sZb7-kO

    To get in touch withn us, please email leila@libraryofmistakes.com or fraser@libraryofmistakes.com
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    43 mins
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