Much of the debate and investigation of corporate collapse and failure has focused on boards and directors. Not so much attention has been given to the role of those who inform and advise them: the gatekeeping professions who play a vital and influential role in modern business.

In the book, John Coffee, world-renowned Professor of Corporate Law, explains how the professions have evolved, performed and changed their behavior over the last century. Coffee argues that all boards of directors are prisoners of their gatekeepers and only if the board's agents properly advise and warn it, can the board function efficiently.

This well-informed, accessible and challenging account will be vital reading to all who wish to understand the contemporary business landscape and 'why the dogs didn't bark' for Enron and WorldCom.