The big four : the curious past and perilous future of the global accounting monopoly

A fascinating and authoritative portrait of the 'Big 4' accounting firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, KPMG.

Essential reading for anyone perplexed or fascinated by professional services, or working in the industry, or contemplating joining or engaging a professional services firm. The history of the 'Big 4' firms is one of triumphs and disasters, of pioneers and scoundrels.

Today, the firms have an uncertain future - thanks to their push into China; their vulnerability to digital disruption and competition; and the hazards of providing traditional tax and audit services in a new era of transparency.