Dreams of Avarice

Synopsis: Six-part documentary series on the history of global finance written and presented by Professor Niall Ferguson. In this first episode Ferguson speaks (c 10 mins) about the history of usary, referring to Shylock as a representative of a tradition of individual usury which was largely replaced by the founding of the first banks and the rise of the de Medicis. Ferguson believes that Shakespeare’s play ‘raises profound questions about economics and anti-Semitism’. There is a brief (and weak) dramatic reconstruction with costumed actors playing Shylock and Bassanio. Bassanio speaks the lines (I iii) ‘May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? Shall I/know your answer? and ‘Have you heard any imputation to the contrary?.'
Series: Ascent of Money, The
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Television
Technical information: Colour / Sound
Transmission details: 17 Nov 2008 at 20:00 (Channel: Channel Four)
Duration: 48 mins