The New York Times bestseller that tells the story of an overheated stock market and the financial disaster that led to the Great Depression of the 1930s. A riveting living history about Black Tuesday, October 29, 1929. Captures the era, the intoxicating expectancy, the hope that ruled men’s heart and minds before the bubble burst and the black despair of the decade that followed.
Loved this book
Well developed narrative of the intersecting lives of a number of historical figures
Taught me a lot about the time period and how history takes on a momentum of its own
This was a terrific review of the events that led up to the 1929 Wall Street Crash. I find the world of finance to be devastatingly BORING and had great fears that this book would be a real snoozer, but I was pleasantly surprised. I loved learning about the people and how they lived (included not only the rich and their circles, but a perspective from the less well-to-do). It also covered a bit of the world perspective and how the goings-on at Wall Street affected – and were affected by – events in other parts of the world. My only suggestion to those who want to pick this up, is to jot down the “cast of characters” as you read. It’s sometimes hard to keep them all straight, though the author does a pretty good job of reminding us who is whom.
Historic account!
Even though a nonfiction book, it read like fiction. Fast paced, with blips of slowness, I learned so much about the fall of Wall Street in 1929. There were so many more men, decisions and situations that contributed to the collapse that are never discussed or taught in history or economic classes. I am so glad I choose to read this book.
This history not only puts the finger on the causes of the tragic Great Depression, but is a warning about today.
Very informative and a reminder of how bad economic things can happen.
Very well written, but scary in the sense that one wonders if the same results to the stock market could happen again. Very historically informative.
Having recently read Only Yesterday as well as Since Yesterday, I picked this volume up for my Kindle. It was easy to follow and frightful to think about. Unregulated, or misregulated markets are a threat to us all.
The story line follows the high and mighty through the stock market crash. You start to feel like you know them personnally. It explains how the lack of banking regulations leads to the creation of great wealth in the few and the loss of great wealth in the many.
Got to learn about the stock market crash of 1929 through the eyes of various people involved.
I started reading this book to help reduce my concerns that the current stock market will crash like it did in the early 1900s. Things are a bit wacky today but not anywhere as bad as it was back then. We have bank auditors, Federally insured accounts in banks and a more stable economy. I am more confident after reading this book,that we will not repeat the “The Burst of 1929, however, we still need to reel in greed. This book is a look into the past that should not be repeated in the future.
Deja vu. An important read about how what is happening now, happened before.
Fascinating walk through the period before the great crash from a number of different perspectives. Also provides an interesting basis for evaluating where we are now with the stock market and what has changed since then.
Very educational.
To understand the 1929 stock market crash this book is a must read. Not only does it follow well-known investors, but the impact everyday man, including those who were not in the market. The same forces are emerging today.
Great detail of the buildup to the crash through various lives of people who were directly involved in the events of 1929 stock market. Easy to read and a great story.
Deals less with the broader and more familiar historical aspects of he crash but instead weaves a story from seminal though less widely known incidents.
A good read of business events leading to the depression. It appears that stocks were greatly overvalued with speculators buying on margin. A recipe for disaster.