This is the story of William Paterson, a 17th-century businessman and economic thinker far ahead of his time. Among his many achievements, Paterson founded the Bank of England and helped broker the Treaty of Union between Scotland and England. Above all else, he envisaged a world where nations could trade unencumbered by monopolies and restrictive practices, and companies could be funded with international investment. In an attempt to realize his dream he set off on a daring voyage across half the globe to establish a trading emporium at Darien, Panama. But as with all radical thought, the establishment rebelled against the ideas Paterson proposed and powerful enemies lined up against him. His journey is an exciting tale of international finance and trade, set against a background of buccaneers, political intrigue, economic vision, failed dreams, warring countries and dogged determination in the face of adversity.