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Economics is not widely considered to be one of the sexier sciences. The annual Nobel Prize winner in that field never receives as much publicity as his or her compatriots in peace, literature, or physics. But if such slights are based on the notion that economics is dull, or that economists are concerned only with finance itself, Steven D. Levitt will change some minds. In Freakonomics (written with Stephen J. Dubner), Levitt argues that many apparent mysteries of everyday life don't need to be so mysterious: they could be illuminated and made even more fascinating by asking the right questions and drawing connections. For example, Levitt traces the drop in violent crime rates to a drop in violent criminals and, digging further, to the Roe v. Wade decision that preempted the existence of some people who would be born to poverty and hardship. Elsewhere, by analyzing data gathered from inner-city Chicago drug-dealing gangs, Levitt outlines a corporate structure much like McDonald's, where the top bosses make great money while scores of underlings make something below minimum wage. And in a section that may alarm or relieve worried parents, Levitt argues that parenting methods don't really matter much and that a backyard swimming pool is much more dangerous than a gun. These enlightening chapters are separated by effusive passages from Dubner's 2003 profile of Levitt in The New York Times Magazine, which led to the book being written. In a book filled with bold logic, such back-patting veers Freakonomics, however briefly, away from what Levitt actually has to say. Although maybe there's a good economic reason for that too, and we're just not getting it yet. --John Moe

Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner Answer The Amazon.com Significant Seven

Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner, author and co-author of this season's bestselling quirky hit, Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything, graciously answered the Amazon.com Significant Seven questions that we like to run by every author.

Levitt and Dubner answer the Amazon.com Significant Seven questions

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Reviews (118)

interesting, but not rocket science
Unlike a lot of economics books this book is pretty fair and unbiased. I don't think it is as funny as some readers thought, but the subjects are interesting. Most of it is common sense. Like that teachers cheat to make their students look smarter on standardized tests and real estate agents won't necessarily being doing everything they can to help you. As a graduate student in economics, I find is reasoning for the decline in crime being attributed to abortion highly speculative. Common sense would tell you that "aborting" fetuses that are likely to become criminals will reduce crime, only if that mother doesn't have as many children as she would if abortion were illegal. The author does a good job of staying away from the politics of abortion.

This book is good for the layman but is nothing new to the average economists. I personally think that it has been given too much praise and attention.

Thought provoking but falls a bit short
While Levitt has the propensity to ask many interesting and thought-provoking questions, his data analysis is often suspect to the same tunnel vision which he attributes to many academic studies. Levitt seems so intent on proving the "conventional wisdom" wrong that he immediately accepts data from a single source as long as it provides a sensational conclusion. For instance, just about all of Levitt's conclusions on education and parenting come from a single ECLS study conducted 15 years ago. The early chapters on information and cheating are quite solid and alone may be worth the price of the book. However once Levitt tackles education, crime, and parenting his down-to-earth anecdotal approach becomes insufficient to explain these complex issues. Freakonomics is similar to many other pop-science bestsellers in that it makes its subject more approachable through oversimplified explanations and conclusions.

A Great, Quick Read, Perfect for Summer
I very much have enjoyed reading this book.As a grade school teacher, it doesn't surprise me that teachers cheat on their students' end-of-the-year assessments; what is surprising is that this is rarely talked about and people seem to be shocked and surprised when, on the rare occasion, someone gets caught.With the pressure to have one's students earn high scores coming from both parents and administrators, how could it not happen?Much more is expected of teachers today, and not all are up to the hard work, time and energy.But this book isn't only about teachers--you'll learn about drug dealers and how they organize their gangs quite similar to corporations; you'll be surprised that sumo wrestlers cheat (I actually hadn't thought about them or the game, but there is a way they can cheat), among other topics. Perhaps the most controversial notion is about what brought down crime levels in the 1980s, a time when everyone predicted crime would rise.It's an interesting idea, but Levitt doesn't provide much support, which was disappointing.

Layman's LanguageAnalyses of Various Social Canards
Too often articles or books written by economists are couched in arcane verbiage and statistics.Levitt avoids this, and the result is a very interesting, though-provoking review of several social myths.

He begins by summarizing the status of crime in the mid-1990's - high, and projected to go much higher with the coming "teenager boom."Instead, it began a long, steep decline.The most common "explanations" were "roaring economy," "gun control," and "innovative policing." Levitt then goes on to summarize data that convincingly reture them all.For example, a good economy might decrease economic crimes, but why did violent crimes drop even more?Further, why didn't crime also fall during the booming '60s?As for innovative policing, Levitt reports that the declines began prior to this initiative, and that its prime contribution was through adding policeman (accounting for about 10% of the drop).Similarly he refutes the logic for crediting increased rights of citizens to carry guns, and gun buy-backs, while the drop in crack prices is credited with 15% of the drop.

Levitt then reports the results of Romania's strong anti-abortion posture in the 60s - a large contingent of resented children, many of whom became serious problems when they grew up.Finally, the "shocker" - Levitt presents various data that provide a solid case for concluding that the drop in crime was primarily due to Roe v. Wade making abortions available to lower-income women - many of whom would have had problems raising the unwanted children.

Other topics addressed by Levitt include documenting cheating associated with "high-stakes" (eg. potential job loss, raises, school closure) pupil testing (estimated at about 5% in Chicago Public Schools), documenting and explaining the lack of drug traffic profits for most of those involved (rakeoffs by those at higher levels).Another interesting and useful topic covered is how society often misplaces efforts into low-payoff efforts to protect children (eg. child-resistant packaging, flame-retardant pajamas, avoiding being seated near front-seat airbags, and keeping their children out of homes with guns), instead of the much higher-payoff of keeping children away from homes with swimming pools.

Throughout the book, Levitt carefully summarizes supporting data, while also informing readers of how similar data are often misused.His "bottom-line," so to speak, is for the reader to become more aware of the effect of incentives, and the frequent lack of factual bases for conventional thinking.

An interesting, useful two-hour read.

Revelations?!only if you're the type to wear shades at night
while interesting, the subject matter of this book is not sublime, the questions are not revolutionary and the 'answers' are soooo not comprehensive. though a contribution is likely, to claim that crime went down simply because of abortion is silly. and duh swimming pools are 'more dangerous' if you look at data collected from past incidences. but you cannot claim this to be true of the inherent/accidental potential for danger of a swimming pool compared to a gun. this book seems to ignore that probability is only predictive if circumstances are equal. and that sometimes a name might carry significance beyond where it can get you in life. but perhaps that one is more than what can expected of educated white men. Still... fun reading, great cover. And I'm sure levitt's classes are more intellectually engaging than this book. ah! one more thing: drug dealers live at home because 'Gator boots, with the pimped out gucci suit/ Ain't got no job, but I stay sharp/ Can't pay my rent, cause all my money's spent/ But thats ok, cause I'm still fly/ Got a quarter tank gas in my new e-class/ But that's alright cause I'm gon' ride/ Got everything in my moma's name/ But I'm hood rich da dada dada da' - Still Fly by Big Tymers ... Read more

Book Description

Garrison/Noreen has been- and still is- the market-leading text in managerial accounting, having educated close to 2 million students since its inception. In short, Garrison is the Guide in Managerial Accounting.The lighthouse on the cover symbolizes that for this difficult course, Garrison's comprehensive but manageable coverage, author-written supplements, and peerless end-of-chapter material makes it a safe and dependable choice for instructors and students alike. The loyalty and following it has achieved is due to the authors unwavering commitment to three simple principles: relevance, balance, and clarity.

• Relevance- Every effort has been made to help students relate the concepts in this book to decisions made by working managers. The Managerial Accounting in Action segments within the chapters help students apply concepts to real world problems.
• Balance- Garrison mixes its coverage to include a variety of both service and manufacturing organizations- this includes new coverage of e-commerce and e-tailers. Service examples have been expanded in this new edition and these are marked with a S icon in the margins.
• Clarity- The entire supplements package has been written by the author team to insure that students and professors will work with clear, well-written supplements that employ consistent terminology.

Reviews (10)

Managerial Accounting, 9th edition
This is an outstanding book, which covers complex topics on a very friendly manner. Maybe for some readers this book may seem hard to understand, so I strongly recommend everybody to think over the necessity of studying managerial accounting. For me as a person who works with internal finance and who makes prompt decisions upon raw timely data, the book was a relief. It covers such immensely important topics as break-even, leverage, cost behavior and structure, and so forth. One suggestion, do not learn everything by heart, it's useless. You never learn everything in managerial accounting. Use the book as a reference for your everyday needs. Good luck.

good accounting book
not a big fan of accounting, but i must admit, this is a really good textbook. anytime i got lost in my classes or lecture, this book explains things in a very clear and organized way to help you better understand. the problems are long but extremely helpful in getting a handle on the methods. the real world examples they use in the text also adds to whatever concept you're learning. i couldn't imagine a better managerial accounting book at the moment. so 5 stars. yup. i'm so glad i'm done with this course...

Not for the novice
What I do not understand about these accounting textbooks is that they give all this wonderful case studies and examples, but when it comes to mba exam times we are faced with far more difficult questions that require prompt and correct answers. This book is so long winded and goes on about topics that are irrelevant. Hope this is not part of your MBA course, We need examples with solutions applicable to examination guidelines...

Managerial Accounting, 10th Edition
Garrison/Noreen has been and is still the leading text in managerial accounting, having educated close to 2 million students since its begining. In short, Garrison is the Guide in Managerial Accounting. The lighthouse on the cover symbolizes that for this difficult course, Garrisons comprehensive but manageable coverage, author-written supplements, and peerless end-of-chapter material makes it a safe and dependable choice for instructors and students alike. The loyalty and following it has achieved is due to the authors unwavering commitment to three simple principles: relevance, balance, and clarity. Relevance- Every effort has been made to help students relate the concepts in this book to decisions made by working managers. The Managerial Accounting in Action segments within the chapters help students apply concepts to real world problems. Balance- Garrison mixes its coverage to include a variety of both service and manufacturing organizations- this includes new coverage of e-commerce and e-tailers. Service examples have been expanded in this new edition and these are marked with a S icon in the margins. Clarity- The entire supplements package has been written by the author team to insure that students and professors will work with clear, well-written supplements that employ consistent terminology.

Great guide for Cost / Managerial Accountants
This book is great for Cost / Managerial Accountants as well as new comers to the field of cost accounting. I read this book as part of MBA curriculum and loved every bit, even though I do not have an accounting background. ... Read more

Book Description

This text remains the only text in the market that presents a balance of financial theory and applications.The authors maintain the same four goals as with the first edition: helping learners to make good financial decisions, providing a solid text for the introductory MBA course, motivating learners by demonstrating finance is relevant and interesting, and presenting the material clearly. ... Read more

Book Description

McConnell-Brue's Economics 15e is the best-selling textbook and has been teaching students in a clear, unbiased way for 40 years. The 14th edition grew market share because of its clear and careful treatment of principles of economics concepts, its balanced coverage, and its patient explanations.More students have learned their principles of Economics from McConnell-Brue than any other text--12 million of them.The 15th edition is a substantial revision that delivers a tighter, modern, Internet-savvy book. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Excellent Book!
I am pursuing an MBA. I had no economics background, however I found this book to be easy to read, very well structured and most of all, you can find the actual applications of Economics. I highly recommend this book over Economics from Samuelson, he's a brilliant economist but he clearly doesn't explain as good. If you are going to buy only one book of economics, I recommend this one.

Great Book!
I used this textbook in an advanced placement Macroeconomics course. Believe me the textbook itself is more interesting than the class. The text provides well detailed explainations of concepts and even provides a comprehensive glossary for those who might find the language alittle to difficult to understand. An overall great book, I've read other economics texts and this one is absolutely stellar in comparison.

Very good tool !!!
I don't study Economy, but I found that this book is easily understandable for those that have at least some notions on the subject. I liked it, because it includes the main themes on which everybody should know at least something, and it is quite entertaining (for a book on this subject).

Also, at the end of each chapter the authors include some questions that help you to understand it better. There is also a web link that provides you with the answers to those questions (so, if you are like me, and want to be sure you answered correctly, you have the opportunity to find out).

Anyway, I highly recommend this book: it is a thoroughly good introduction to economy!!!!. And last, but not least, it is also of good help in exams, because some basic questions have a tendency to be repeated, and with this book: you have the answers!!!).

Not bad.
This definately wasn't written for the layperson, but for the college level reader/student.

Overall, the book wasn't that bad. However, there were some instances where it just seem to drag on and on, which was a tad annoying. I think the authors could've written some things in a better way to make it more understandable.

Although Economics isn't necessarily an easy subject, this book is considered authoritative in the feild of macro/microeconomics. The authors should've definately made it a little more easier to understand.

Thank you.

Good, in fact very good
As an MBA (with a fair subject background)interested in applied economics I found this to be an impressive piece of writing. The real world examples and colloquial expression can only comfort a reader intimidated by this very complex and volumnous discipline. I was rather srprised to see some of the reviews calling this a very difficult-to-comprehend text. In my opinion even someone relatively new to economics will find his knowledge stacking up as he progresses through the text. Given that the sequencing is not classic with micro followed by macro, I feal the authors have done a good job of going against the conventional and merging the potent interrelationships of these two basic areas-after all one evolves into the other. Also the web-based material was also more than helpful. Finally a book in its fifteenth edition, read over 40 odd years better be good. ... Read more

Book Description

West Federal Taxation: Individual Income Taxes, 2005 Edition continues to set the standard in introductory tax. Its Authors and editors stay on top of trends in both tax law and tax education, as a result, the 2005 Edition is thoroughly up-to-date, current in its thinking, and pedagogically advanced! No other text is as effective at helping users master the ever-changing Individual Tax Code. It provides accessible, comprehensive, and authoritative coverage of the relevant tax Code and regulations as they pertain to the individual taxpayer, as well as coverage of all major developments in federal taxation.It also adheres to the recommendations of the Accounting Education Change Commission (AECC) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Visit the Product Website @ http://wft.swlearning.com ... Read more

Reviews (44)

This bible contains errors
First, my review refers to the 1997 3rd edition.

Since this book is regarded as the bible of derivatives (it was also my first introduction) I will leave it to others to praise it and concentrate instead on what's wrong with it. First and foremost, one cannot learn how correctly to formulate solutions to stochastic differential equations from this text: eqns. (10.7,8), e.g., are not correct for arbitrary returns but are valid only as approxmations for small returns (Hull leads the reader to believe the opposite). The problem is that Ito's lemma is only stated, not proven, and it's the proof that shows one how to formulate correctly the stochastic integral equations that Hull calls 'stochastic difference equations'. When volatility depends on returns and/or time, then the errors made from following Hull's oversimplified treatment become serious.

My first impression of Baxter & Rennie's 'Financial Calculus' was that it was unnecessary and a waste of money. My opinion reversed completely after realizing (under prodding by a physics colleague who's an expert on sde's) how badly Hull's approach to sde's really is. Also, the systematic derivation of Black-Scholes from the assumption of a replicating, self-financing strategy in B&R is very nice. As Feynman said, we don't really understand a result until we can derive it from many different viewpoints. The method is not really different in principle from the standard short derivation given in Hull, but it does provide a nice, clear example of what is meant by replication and self-financing in the terminology of Brownian motion/sde's.

Probably the best for practitioners; useful for theory
This book is a solid introduction to pricing derivatives and explains in lucid detail all the techniques you need to get up and running with numerical valuation. It is aimed, I would say, at advanced MBA students and practitioners on the job already. That is to say, Hull doesn't spend too much time on theory (for instance, his explanation of HJM summarizes several of their papers and a number of preludes into a few paragraphs).

I would also say that the more theory-oriented reader would benefit from reading Hull. It provides a fresh picture, distinct from the essential theoretical foundations of Merton, Duffie, Campbell, and Cochrane. Thus, to learn CAPM, state prices, or portfolio choice, look elsewhere; to learn how to price derivatives in practice, this is your best bet.

Very useful manual for practitioners
This is a great manual for market practitioners. It does not use detailed math, does not go into issues of corporate finance. But it is very easy to follow and it is "complete". More than that, the book is to the point and very clear. Market professionals will find the examples spread around the book very useful for their daily work. The surprising new book by Nefci which I just got, but did not have time to study in detail, seem to provide all the missing links.

I had used an earlier edition of Hull, and it appears that John Hull adds all the relevant material needed for market finance with each new edition. In fact I have purchased several books on Mathematical Finance and Derivatives but few of them remain on my desk for future consultation.

One of the great foundation texts in finance(******) 6 stars
I am a huge fan of this book. The fourth edition was the single most influential text in my study for my MBA. It opened new kinds of thinking for me and helped me understand the intuitions and they methods for valuing the various kinds of derivatives. While the language is not simple, it is not arcane. Some complain that the mathematics are not rigorous. So what? There are such books on the market and are suitable for those that want them. This is the standard book for thousands of MBAs who need a solid foundation, but do not need to be able to higher math to understand how a binomial tree works or to even create one my hand. Certainly, it is helpful to understand the math as deeply as you can. However, the reality is that most of the time practitioners use pre-made tools to run their Monte Carlo simulations rather than programming from scratch.

There are several new chapters on very helpful and interesting topics (using futures for hedging, numerical procedures, swaps, credit risk, real options, insurance, derivative crises, and more). Some of this is new and some adapted from previous editions. Other material has been rewritten and clarified.

DerivaGem 1.5 is included with the book, but a URL is provided to get the latest version from Prof. Hull's website.

This is a terrific book and I consider it one of the most valuable on my shelf of business texts. It is one I would never want to be without and one of the few I am willing to keep up with the new editions. While no book is perfect for every use in every situation, this is one of the great foundation texts.

Simply the Best!
This is the bible of options and futures markets. It is very well written, clear, and relatively easy to understand. However, you have to read it carefully as it minces its words. Every sentence is packed with information and is important. You may find 'easier' books, but they will not go the distance. So, save your money and get the best of them all. Risk Magazine lists this book as #4 among most widely cited papers/books between 1988 and 2003. No surprise there! ... Read more

Book Description

This acclaimed, number one market-leading book embraces the basic theme of “different costs for different purposes.”It reaches beyond cost accounting procedures to consider concepts, analyses, and management. Chapter topics cover: the accountant's role in the organization; an introduction to cost terms and purposes; cost-volume-profit analysis; job costing; activity-based costing and activity-based management; master budget and responsibility accounting; flexible budgets, variances, and management control; inventory costing and capacity analysis; determining how costs behave; decision making and relevant information; pricing decisions and cost management; strategy, balanced scorecard, and strategic profitability analysis; cost allocation, customer-profitability analysis, and sales-variance analysis; allocation of support department costs, common costs and revenues; cost allocation: joint products and byproducts; process costing; spoilage, rework, and scrap; quality, time, and the theory of constraints; inventory management, just-in-time, and backflush costing; capital budgeting and cost analysis; management control systems, transfer pricing, and multinational considerations; andperformance measurement, compensation, and multinational considerations. For future accountant who want to enhance their understanding of—and ability to—solve cost accounting problems.

Reviews (5)

Cost Accounting by Horngren
A strength of this book is that there are many color diagrams
throughout which illustrate/highlight the material. The treatment
of process cost accounting is thorough and highly simplified
with many detailed examples to illustrate the computation of
equivalent units. In process cost accounting, it is critical
to understand the physical flow of costs, as well as,
interdepartmental transfers and modified cost assumptions.
In addition, there is a thorough treatment of managerial
cost accounting in the areas of discounted cash flow, internal
rate of return, compounding, depreciation and cash flow,
net present value, uncertainty, inflation, capital budgeting,
payback and the accounting rate of return. Lastly, there is
a good treatment of decentralization and transfer pricing.
The book is worth the price of admission. Classic problems
from this text have been replicated on some form or another
on professional and collegiate standardized tests.
This work helps to support what is taught in a collegiate
finance course, as well as the cost accounting element.

The thrust of a cost accounting course is for the B or better
student. There is a fair amount of work in this course.
As such, it is geared for accounting, finance or economics
majors. Quantitatively oriented students will enjoy the presentation as well as a wide constituency of teachers
in academe. Even college administrators would find this
text useful for preparing budget schedules and interdepartmental
cost analyses. Engineering companies would
benefit by having a detailed analyses of process costing and
managerial accounting on individual construction jobs.

thank you
the book was in excellent condition. I received it a couple of days after I ordered it. Thank you for saving me money and time!!!

Good Job!
I received the book very quickly and I got it new at a great price. I saved about 50 dollars. Wow!!! I will buy from this seller again if they have what I need.

Most Prompt Delivery
This was the fastest service I have received regarding a textbook. It was worth the effort to get the ISBN number ahead of time from the instuctor's to buy my books and save money. Thank you for the expedited service. I will patron again. I only wish this were a hardcover to withstand the abuse of a backpack.

i wouldn't recommend it to anyone at all
i've never seen such a poor book before. it is poor organized. and i got after 25 days from my order date. ... Read more

Book Description

A step-by-step program for making big plans that create big money in real estate

With a little help from Gary Keller, anyone can achieve financial independence. In The Millionaire Real Estate Investor, Keller shows you how, with the right plan and persistent effort over time, you can amass fabulous wealth in one of the strongest and safest investment vehicles around--real estate. The plan begins by establishing a state of mind that becomes a different way of looking at the world and evolves into an exciting way of life.

Through inspiration and solid instruction, Keller helps you develop a thorough knowledge of the best models for investing, along with a fundamental understanding of money, how it can be made and how it can be lost. Then, he shows you how to design an investment business that lets you get out of the day-to-day work and enjoy the freedom and benefits of what you have created.

Thoroughly researched with interviews and insights from more than 100 millionaire real estate investors who have struck it rich through Keller's concepts and practices, this book shows you how to:

• Think Like a Million: Develop the mind-set and financial strategies of a millionaire investor
• Buy a Million: Amass a real estate portfolio with a market value of a million dollars or more
• Own a Million: Turn investments into an asset-based business with ever-increasing net worth
• Receive a Million: Build an investment empire that provides a million dollars a year in passive income

Book Description

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING, 7th Edition integrates coverage of both functional-based management topics (such as job-order and process costing) and activity-based management topics (such as strategic cost analysis, activity-based tactical decision making, productivity measurement and control, quality cost management, theory of constraints, process value analysis and international topics). This approach emphasizes that changing conditions often require a change in cost management systems. ... Read more

Book Description

The world's most exciting, fastest-growing new market? It's where you least expect it: at the bottom of the pyramid. Collectively, the world's billions of poor people have immense entrepreneurial capabilities and buying power. You can learn how to serve them and help millions of the world's poorest people escape poverty.

It is being done-profitably. Whether you're a business leader or an anti-poverty activist, business guru Prahalad shows why you can't afford to ignore "Bottom of the Pyramid" (BOP) markets.

In the book and accompanying CD videos, Prahalad presents...

Why what you know about BOP markets is wrong A world of surprises-from spending patterns to distribution and marketing

Unlocking the "poverty penalty"

The most enduring contributions your company can make Delivering dignity, empowerment, and choice-not just products

Corporations and BOP entrepreneurs Profiting together from an inclusive new capitalism

"C. K. Prahalad argues that companies must revolutionize how they dobusiness in developing countries if both sides of that economic equation areto prosper. Drawing on a wealth of case studies, his compelling new bookoffers an intriguing blueprint for how to fight poverty with profitability." Bill Gates, Chairman and Chief Software Architect,Microsoft

"The Bottom of the Pyramid belongs at the top of the reading list forbusiness people, academics, and experts pursuing the elusive goal ofsustainable growth in the developing world. C. K. Prahalad writes withuncommon insight about consumer needs in poor societies andopportunities for the private sector to serve important public purposes whileenhancing its own bottom line. If you are looking for fresh thinking aboutemerging markets, your search is ended. This is the book for you." Madeleine K. Albright, Former U.S. Secretary of State

"Prahalad challenges readers to re-evaluate their pre-conceived notionsabout the commercial opportunities in serving the relatively poor nations ofthe world. The Bottom of the Pyramid highlights the way to commercialsuccess and societal improvement--but only if the developed worldreconceives the way it delivers products and services to the developingworld." Christopher Rodrigues, CEO, Visa International

"An important and insightful work showing persuasively how the privatesector can be put at the center of development, not just as a rhetoricalflourish but as a real engine of jobs and services for the poor." Mark Malloch Brown, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme ... Read more

Download Description

In 2000, when The Informant was published, few would’ve imagined that a story about price fixing at Archer Daniels Midland could be as un–put–downable as the best crime fiction. Yet critics—and consumers—agreed: The New York Times reporter Kurt Eichenwald had taken the stuff of dry business reporting and turned it into an unparalleled page–turner. With Conspiracy of Fools, Eichenwald has done it again.

Say the name “Enron” and most people believe they’ve heard all about the story that imperiled a presidency, destroyed a marketplace, and changed Washington and Wall Street forever. But in the hands of Kurt Eichenwald, the players we think we know and the business practices we think have been exposed are transformed into entirely new—and entirely gripping—material. The cast includes but is not limited to George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Paul O’Neill, Harvey Pitt, Colin Powell, Gray Davis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alan Greenspan, Ken Lay, Andy Fastow, Jeff Skilling, Bill Clinton, Rupert Murdoch, and Michael Eisner. Providing a you–are–there glimpse behind closed doors in the executive suites of the Enron Corporation, the Texas governor’s mansion, the Justice Department, and even the Oval Office, Conspiracy of Fools is an all–true financial and political thriller of cinematic proportions.

Reviews (53)

strange brew
This is the book counterpart of a video reconstruction.As best I can tell from the extensive endnotes, the author did a phenomenal research job, and then (from my point of view) turned his work into fiction.Instead of presenting us with the facts (fascinating in themselves) the author presents everything "through the eyes" of the participants, pretenting to be in their thoughts, and using quotation marks with the abandon of a novelist.We all know that this is just plain made up, but by using this form of presentation, the author blurs the distinction between fact and fiction.He DOESN'T know what these people were thinking, and making it up implies that he does; requiring me to search the footnotes at the end of each sentence -- what is true and what is made up? For example, on the first page we follow Ken Lay's thoughts as he is driven to work -- the footnote shows us the source for what kind of car it was -- but of course no reference for Lay's thoughts (and even if Lay had said what he was thinking, we have know knowledge that he told the truth).Accordingly, although the book is entertaining, I demote it to a "2" for horrendously bad journalistic practice.

The End of an Empire
I'm certain that all of us like to read a good book. One filled with intrigue, deceit, back-stabbing, illegal acts, social issues, fear, egos, greed, scandals,etc.

All the ingredients of an interesting novel. Only it's not. It is the true story ofENRON's humble pipeline beginnings to its bankruptcy and the saga of a hidden but eventually disclosed paper trail.

The book---"Conspiracy of Fools" by Kurt Eichenwald.

Notwithstanding the complicated financial transactions involved, it is written in a fast moving manner by a winning New York Times writer

If you get one book this summer, this is it!
Everyone knows the Enron scandal.The directors of the corporation have been depicted as nothing less than caricatures of corporate greed and the company itself a cliche of managers run amok.

This book ends all that.It brings dimension and personality to everyone involved and does justice to the events that transpire in a very evenhanded way.The "fly on the wall" narrative and the incredulous attitude of the author constantly ask the question we all wanted to ask right from the start: "What were they thinking?"Even moreso, a corollary becomes "Why did everyone else just let it happen?"Hard to believe, but the problems of Enron could have been predicted back in the early 90s.

This is a top-notch book and worth every penny.Its not particularly difficult to comprehend (the dialogue and complex schemes are broken down for laymen to understand), and believe it or not, its a quick read. Once it absorbs you, you just won't put it down.

Reads like a thriller
I read this book in three days.I have a two year old to chase around, so that tells you just how much time I devoted to finishing it.COF reads like a thriller.I kept waiting for the bad guys to get caught and became more and more incredulous that it took so long.

COF does an excellent job of showing what a dangerous combination greed, hubris and ignorance is and how prevelant it is in corporate America.Throw in a dash of politics and you have a national scandal.

Eichenwald does a good job of showing us all the nuances of what happened at the executive level of Enron, but I was disapointed that we never got to see any of it from the perspective of the thousands of employees that woke up one morning without jobs or retirement funds.We also never see the impact of Enron's fall on the varous companies and local governments that invested so heavily in them.

My last "complaint" is a silly one.There were no pictures of the principals featured in the book, which is pretty standard for non-fiction stories.I wanted to know what Lay, Skilling and the rest looked like so I could put faces with names.

Overall, well worth the read if you want some suspense and/or an insight into just what went wrong at Enron.

The BEST book I have read in years
I never thought I would like to read an Enron book, but my father really pushed this on me. I LOVED it. This is the best book I have read in years, certainly since A Civil Action. It is thrilling, unbelievable, captivating. I am up late writing this because the book kept me up until 3 and now I am having trouble not thinking about it. Unlike other books of this type, the research is incredible. Anyone who reads it has to thumb through the footnotes, and see all of the documents and other information that Eichenwald pulled together. A fabulous reporter and a spectacular writer all add up to a great book. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

The best by far of slim pickings
I reviewed every Money and Banking text I could get my hands on before selecting Mishkin's text to use while I was an instructor at one of the top universities in the US. Mishkin's text was hands-down the best text. But there weren't a lot of alternatives to choose from. This text gets used in a lot of MBA programs.

The thing I liked most about this text was its comprehensiveness. Mishkin did a far better job than the other text of introducing stock options. And of course, he covered the banking (money multiplier, bnak loans, etc.) side comprehensively. Good job with exchange rates, too.

Weaknesses: Need more on the insurance industry, particularly with the biggest banks now firmly in that business. Need more on financial futures. And finally, I'd like to see a little more mathematical rigor. I supplemented the text in an undergrad class with some more mathematical articles from the economics literature. ... Read more

Book Description

Completely revised for the new computerized CPA Exam

Published annually, this comprehensive four-volume study guide for the Certified Public Accountant's (CPA) Exam arms readers with detailed outlines and study guidelines, plus skill-building problems and solutions, that help them to identify, focus, and master the specific topics that need the most work. Many of the practice questions are taken from previous exams, and care is taken to ensure that they cover all the information candidates need to pass the CPA Exam. Reflecting the most recent changes to the new computerized CPA Exam, this comprehensive examination review is broken down into four volumes: Regulation, Auditing and Attestation, Financial Accounting and Reporting, and Business Environment and Concepts. The number one CPA exam review provider worldwide, these study guides:
* Include over 2,700 practice questions and complete information on the new simulation questions
* Contain a unique modular structure that divides the content into 44 self-contained study modules so that candidates can zero in on areas that need the most work
* Include AICPA content requirements and offers three times as many examples as other CPA exam review study guides

O. Ray Whittington, PhD, CPA, CMA, CIA (Chicago, IL), is the Ledger and Quill Director of the School of Accountancy at DePaul University and author of bestselling books in the Wiley CPA Examination Review System. Patrick R. Delaney, PhD, CPA, was the Arthur Andersen LLP Alumni Professor of Accountancy at Northern Illinois University and the author of bestselling books, audios, and software in the Wiley CPA Examination Review System. ... Read more

Book Description

Corporate Finance is today’s most authoritative book on— and covers every angle of—corporate finance. Updates to this edition include a more user-friendly approach, new or updated cases that illustrate top companies addressing real world situations, topical articles written by scholars and practitioners, and more.

Book Description

The Alternate Edition includes all of the same features and benefits as the Standard Edition.Its only difference is that it includes four additional chapters on more advanced topics: Risk Management; An Introduction to Financial Engineering; Option Valuation; Mergers and Acquisitions, and Leasing. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Good Book
I am new to Finance aspects. This book very well served the purpose. Thank you ... Read more

Book Description

These two highly-respected authors have revised this best-selling book to include more current, modern subject matter and events while maintaining those features that have contributed to its great success. It continues to use stories, graphs, and equations and a unified, logical organization to make economic concepts easy-to-understand and relevant to all readers. Users of this book see the connection between growth, trade, comparative advantage, and the production possibilities frontier. When readers understand how a simple competitive market system works, they are ready to focus on problems of real-world markets. Currency data has been updated through the second quarter of 2003, with coverage of deflation, the effects of the war with Iraq and the war on terrorism, and the wars' impact on the national deficit. A comprehensive overview introducing economics begins the book; subsequent topics include: foundations of microeconomics: consumers and firms; market imperfection and the role of government; concepts and problems in macroeconomics; the goods and money markets; macroeconomic analysis; and the world economy. An excellent desk reference for economists; this book will serve any business owner, as an understanding of basic economics will prove helpful in all ventures.

Reviews (1)

Excellent book for economic students in their first year
This book presents and explains both Micro and Macro Theory in a very friendly way.It explains step by step the functions of the micro and macro theory and describes the fuctions of the instituions andorganizations involve in the economy as a whole.It gives historicalbackground, which many students look for in order to understand how? why?who? the study of economics. Besides it explains really well the economicterminology introduce as you read the book.Finally the book presentscurrent event cases through the chapters which are related it to theideaspresented in the reading. ... Read more

Book Description

Brealey/Myers’ Principles of Corporate Finance is the worldwide leading textthat describes the theory and practice of corporate finance.Throughout the book the authors show how managers use financial theory to solve practical problems and as a way of learning how to respond to change by showing not just how but why companies and management act as they do.The text is comprehensive, authoritative, and modern and yet the material is presented at a common sense level.The discussions and illustrations are unique due to the depth of detail blended with a distinct sense of humor for which the book is well known and highly regarded.This text is a valued reference for thousands of practicing financial managers. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Course Material
This book was assigned to me to support Myers's finance class. It is a difficult book to read on one's own. The book is a great reference if you are already taking a course on finance or already have some academic background. However, if you are determined to gain a solid knowledge of finance then this is the right reference. The book gives excellent examples of financial decisions from real life and draws particular attention to mistakes managers regularly make. A must read if you are trying to catch up with MBA material on your own.

Impossible to read
True, I am not a business school student, I am just brushing up on Finance for an actuarial exam. But I am no dummy I tell you, I can read almost anything, and this book I cannot read. If you are looking to get a quick grasp on Corporate Finance, this book is not for you. It is incredibly long and verbose. You skip from one topic to the next without seeing how they interconnect. This is one book where one can read fifteen chapters and still not know a single thing.

Principles of Corporate Finance(R) + Student CD + Corporate
Brealey/Myers Principles of Corporate Finance is the worldwide leading text that describes the theory and practice of corporate finance. Throughout the book the authors show how managers use financial theory to solve practical problems and as a way of learning how to respond to change by showing not just how but why companies and management act as they do. The text is comprehensive, authoritative, and modern and yet the material is presented at a common sense level. The discussions and illustrations are unique due to the depth of detail blended with a distinct sense of humor for which the book is well known and highly regarded. This text is a valued reference for thousands of practicing financial managers.
Part I. Value 1. Finance and the Financial Manager 2. Present Value and the Opportunity Cost of Capital 3. How to Calculate Present Values 4. The Value of Common Stocks 5. Why Net Present Value Leads to Better Investment Decisions Than Other Criteria 6. Making Investment Decisions with the Net Present Value Rule Part II. Risk 7. Introduction to Risk, Return, and the Opportunity Cost of Capital 8. Risk and Return 9. Capital Budgeting and Risk Part III. Practical Problems in Capital Budgeting 10. A Project is Not a Black Box 11. Where Positive Net Present Values Come From 12. Making Sure Managers Maximize NPV Part IV. Financing Decisions and Market Efficiency 13. Corporate Financing and the Six Lessons of Market Efficiency 14. An Overview of Corporate Financing 15. How Corporations Issue Securities Part V. Dividend Policy and Capital Structure 16. The Dividend Controversy 17. Does Debt Policy Matter? 18. How Much Should a Firm Borrow? 19. Financing and Valuation Part VI. Options 20. Understanding Options 21. Valuing Options 22. Real Options 23. Warrants and Convertibles Part VII. Debt Financing 24. Valuing Debt 25. The Many Different Kinds of Debt 26. Leasing Part VIII. Risk Management 27. Managing Risk 28. Managing International Risks Part IX. Financial Planning and Short-Term Financial Management 29. Financial Analysis and Planning 30. Short-Term Financial Planning 31. Cash Management 32. Credit Management Part X. Mergers, Corporate Control, and Governance 33. Mergers 34. Control, Governance, and Financial Architecture Part XI. Conclusions 35. Conclusion: What We Do and Do Not Know About Finance

Not for those with Dyslexia
This book's information is rather useful, but if you suffer from dyslexia, it is going to be a bear to get through. I am in the EMBA course at Baylor and was assigned this book. The blue ink used for the text wrecks havoc with my reading ability. It takes me nearly 40 minutes to read one page...at which rate I should finish it sometime in 2014.

I strongly urge the editor, writer, and publishing house to use black ink in future editions.

Dry but useful
This is a well-written book and useful, especially in understanding legal requirments of fiduciaries. However, for a tour de force of writing and exposition on ethical theory and practices in business, see Berumen's Do No Evil. ... Read more

Book Description

In writing this textbook, Mankiw has tried to put himself in the position of someone seeing economics for the first time. The author's conversational writing style is superb for presenting the politics and science of economic theories to tomorrow's decision-makers.Because Mankiw wrote it for the students, the book stands out among all other principles texts by intriguing students to apply an economic way of thinking in their daily lives.Receiving such a praise as "perhaps the best ever" textbook in economic principles, it's no wonder Mankiw's prize project has quickly become one of the most successful books ever to be published in the college marketplace. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Principles of Macroeconomics
Mankiw (economics, Harvard U.) presents an introduction to macroeconomics that is more devoted to applications and policy than to formal economic theory. Chapters cover international trade, measuring gross domestic product, the cost of living, production and growth, the financial system, the natural rate of unemployment, inflation, and short run economic fluctuations. As is common with many economics textbooks there is little recognition of controversy within the field. ... Read more

Book Description

This market leading text offers proven, comprehensive, applications-oriented approach. Written by authors who are highly regarded in the field, the text provides sound methodological development. The discussion and development of each technique is presented in an application setting, with the statistical results providing insights to decisions and solutions to problems. Statistics for Business and Economics, 9e offers proven accuracy that has led instructors to adopt it simply for its superior examples and exercises alone. ... Read more