City Spectator

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The City of London serves as a fascinating backdrop for exploring human nature, and Christopher Fildes is a keen observer of its dynamics. In this engaging work, we meet an array of characters, from the Queen Mother to Robert Maxwell, along with Chancellors and Bank Governors. Readers are invited to savor $2 martinis and 8-euro kirs while navigating the extravagant world of international ventures. Fildes offers insightful commentary on the City's operations, touching on transport challenges with I.K. Gricer, racing anecdotes from Captain Threadneedle, and the peculiarities of the housing market—suggesting it might be time to consider a stay at the Ritz. Fildes' weekly column in The Spectator has been a staple for over twenty years, filled with humor, literary allusions, and sharp character sketches that critique the follies of markets and boardrooms. His observations reveal the often absurd nature of financial institutions, likening a bank's capital to giving a gallon of beer to someone unpredictable. He muses on the purpose of boardroom decor, questioning whether potted plants and non-executive directors serve a functional role or merely exist as ornamentation. For more than twenty-five years, Fildes has captivated readers with his blend of fine writing and astute commentary, earning him recognition as a perceptive commentator on both institutions and individuals—a true City Spectator.