COVER
London's Gathering Storm
Fueled by a boom in high finance, the city became an irresistible magnet for money and talent. Now, as the economic crisis hits, a darker era looms
Behind the Global Markets' Meltdown
It spread from the U.S. Here's how it could burn us again
PHOTO ESSAY
London Falling (Photos)
As financial markets approach meltdown, the City of London — once hailed as the business center of the world — faces uncertain and painful times. Photos for TIME by Tom Stoddart / Getty Reportage
COMMENTARY
Gloat at Your Peril
The U.S. led the way into the global financial crisis, but it's also likely to emerge from the mess before Europe does
GLOBAL BUSINESS
One Financial Doomsayer Sees More Doom Ahead (Global Investing)
A renowned investor who saw the meltdown coming is torn between fear and growing bullishness
WORLD
The Islamic Republic's Women at the Wheel
Breaking the gender barrier, women are taking the wheel of Iran's taxis
BOOKS
War of the Words
A dictionary's proposed cull of archaisms has language mavens up in arms. Can fubsy be saved?
The Future Is Now
A timely appeal for more internationalism by Chris Patten, Britain's last Governor of Hong Kong
Shades of Gray
A latter-day Boswell explores the strange genius of a singular Scot
GLOBAL ADVISER
Free Port (On Show)
Maritime Yokohama stages its most adventurous Triennale ever
Baby Love (Check In)
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort in Malaysia does more than take good care of its customers — it rehabilitates baby orangutans on its grounds for release
One Night in Auckland (TIME Traveler)
Going out in the City of Sails? Here's inside advice on doing it right
Grass Roots (Diversions)
Facing sinicization, Inner Mongolians are becoming more aware of their past
LETTERS
Recession Redux (Inbox)
In Defense of Wall Street; A Fight to End Maternal Deaths; Maxed Out on Palin; It's Not Easy Being Green; The Art of the Campaign