In The Great Game, acclaimed business historian John Steele Gordon chronicles the rise of Wall Street from its humble beginnings as an American trading post to its domination of the world economy, bringing to life the remarkable cast of bankers and brokers, visionaries and crooks who made it happen. From Alexander Hamilton to Michael Milken, the history of Wall Street is a history of risk, courage, avarice, patriotism, power, genius, and, occasionally, remarkable stupidity. In Gordon, Wall Street has finally found a biographer worthy of its extraordinary story.
John Steele Gordon is an American writer who specializes in the history of business and finance. Born and raised in New York City, he graduated from Vanderbilt University.
Colorful and entertaining overview of the evolution of Wall Street pre-1980s. Along with stories, jokes, personalities and events, provided brief descriptions of why they happened.
Helpful and comparatively well-written history of the Wall Street, from the days when it was Da Waalstraat on which slaves were told to before the 2008 crisis. I can't say I understood all the economic terms or what exactly was going on, but he's really giving an effort to careful explanation. He's also a neocon who thinks the market can regulate itself, but that sometimes some regulation is necessary, and at the very least if you're not an anarchist, you have to admit that justice of exchange is something the government does need to look into.
Should have known not to expect "great" writing from Wall St. The stories are many and entertaining, but easy to forget. I liked the first chapter the best - gave historical perspective by giving credit to the Dutch for founding NYC and breathing that seafaring cosmopolitanism into it. Even more reason to love New York.
John Steele Gordon is one of my favorite business history authors. I discovered him when I read "The Great Game: The Emergence of Wall Street" (almost by accident). I highly, highly recommend his books for anyone who loves business, the economy and finance through time.
Epic book for Wall street history. some financial book author is conspiracy theorist, Gordon keep himself neutral. The Great Game is the best alternative to know about Wall Street.