This is a very impressive, and important book. It tackles arcane accounting rules and attempts to explain their effects on all of our lives. It succeeds, for the most part, but the writing style is a bit uneven ... hence the 4 stars instead of 5.
Mr. Shaxson carefully presents his evidence, including some historical background, and builds his case layer by layer. He manages to do this for a general audience that probably doesn't have a background in economics or accounting, and this is to his credit. But there isn't quite enough detail there to fully grasp all of the intricacies, either. It's a tough call for an author, and I can appreciate that.
This book does act as a great introduction to the problem, and I strongly recommend it. ( )

This gets 5 stars for the content - This is a topic which many more people should be aware. and This book should be a must read for any person interested in economics, business and globalisation.
The presentation in this book can sometimes be a little dry and occasionally repetitive. ( )

This is no rant about a few greedy people sticking their money in the Caymans to get around the IRS, but a full-blown expose of the most insidious and least understood sector of global finance on the planet today. The world's "off shore" banking system has been growing exponentially since the 1970s and today plays host not to billions, but trillions of dollars. Dollars that would otherwise be moving through your national economy, propping up your revenue base and allowing for much needed investment, or the reduction of national deficits.

The book is meticulously researched and beautifully written, presenting both facts and enough clear examples to allow anyone with a median understanding of economics to fully appreciate the extent of the problem. I would strongly urge anyone with an interest in this field, or concerns about the state of the global economy, to get this book under your belt.

If you have an account at Audible, I can personally testify to the quality of the audiobook version. ( )

We are all being robbed. Read this book and find out how. Essential. ( )

Good book about the workings of the offshore finance industry. Gives a very readable account of how wealthy elites in rich countries avoid their fiscal responsibilities by exploiting secretive, low tax jurisdictions (the largest of which being the US and the UK!). And in reverse, how offshore facilitates capital flight from developing countries. I guess the most depressing thing is how acceptable it has become to avoid paying tax. ( )