Published in 2000 in three volumes, this work aims to enlighten the reader on the construction of the monetary system of the countries forming the WAMU, from colonial times to the present day, by highlighting the doctrinal and institutional logics underlying all developments, from the colonial issuing banks, the development of the Franc Zone, the establishment of the WAMU, successive reforms through to the policies applied during the crisis of the 1980s-1990s. Alternatives for the future are also explored, based on an assessment of this experience, and taking into account the changing international environment. An English version of the book was published in March 2002.