An Italian archive yields its treasures

I am the Author of the pamphlet here reviewed and in my opinion it is an excellent article, in accordance with your usual standard. The Genoa' history being rather complex, I would suggest a few minor amendments in the last paragraphe: ".. in 1407 THE STATE (not the municipality) REFORMED ITS DEBTS WHOSE ADMINISTRATION WAS UNDERTAKEN BY A PROPER INSTITUTION, THE HOUSE OF SAINT GEORGE. IN 1408 THE HOUSE WAS AUTHORIZED TO ESTABLISH AN HOMONYMOUS BANK IN ORDER TO SUPPLY THE TOWN WITH LIQUIDITY". ...." the Bank of S.G. was the first institution in ITALY that could be called a bank, BECAUSE IT WORKED USING ONLY OTHER'S PEOPLE MONEY".

As a "genovese" I'm wery proud of my town's past not of the present but confident of future if Mr Berlusconi will be elected Genova major !!

First off, I wonder why the journalist's name does not appear - anyway, way to go Genoa.
Then there is the conclusion, which contradicts the study portrayed in the article - at least in the fashion it was described by the journalist - , saying that Barcelona came to banking six years earlier than Genoa. May well be, but I would like to know where this piece of information comes from; we have a 25-year study here, and I hardly believe you people know better than that.
Finally, I happen to know prof Felloni very well; he is not a numismatist at all, rather the brain behind this whole 25-year project. He does not normally write pamphlets, except here the sheer size of the work just screamed for a summa.
Now, why did you not ask him before writing the article? It would have turned out a lot better. I feel you have done no justice to prof Felloni and to the matter at hand, which can be truly fascinating if properly dealt with.
Sadly, this is the way of life.
Greetings, LF

I thank The Economist for this interesting article and for introducing me to Profsssore Felloni's erudition and intellectual generosity. I have downloaded, and will print, the summa on the bank and look forward to reading its pages.