James Grant--one of the most skeptical, insightful, and witty writers on the adventures and foibles of financial markets--chronicles the various epidemics of investment excesses that have erupted over the past decade in his new book, Mr. Market Miscalculates (Axios Press, November 2008). Grant investigates, among other topics, mass psychology in markets, the rise in reputation of celebrity central bankers, and the “Statue of Liberty effect” that inspires foreign investment in American assets. Jay Brinkmann, chief economist and senior vice president of research and economics at the Mortgage Bankers Association, and AEI’s Desmond Lachman will discuss Grant’s interpretation of events. AEI’s Alex J. Pollock will moderate.