Includes bibliographical references (p. [249]-251) and index.

Fishing in the two-and-a-half trillion dollar pond -- Blowing up the money factory -- More sound than the pound, and good as gold -- The triumphs and travails of a dollar colony -- The dollar's buyers of last resort -- An end to America's extraordinary privelege?

Examines the green-back's history, allure, and unique role as a catalyst for globalization, and how the American buck became so almighty that $ became perhaps the most powerful symbol on earth. But will the buck be eclipsed by the euro or even China's renminbi? Should Americans worry when the value of the mighty U.S. dollar sinks to par with the Canadian "loonie"?--From publisher's description.