Bailout Nation: How Greed and Easy Money Corrupted Wall Street and Shook the World Economy

by Barry Ritholtz

Book Overview

An engaging look at what led to the financial turmoil we now find ourselves in Bailout Nation offers one of the clearest looks at the financial lenders, regulators, and politicians responsible for the... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0470520388
• ISBN13: 9780470520383
• Release Date: May 2009
• Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
• Length: 332 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

The United States of Bailouts

Mr Ritholtz does an excellent job drawing a trendline from the first bailout in 70's to the latest bailouts of 2009. He illustrates how our own government cheer-led us into the Next Great Depression. What makes this book different from books of other numerous authors? * The book is written in a plain language an average person can understand * The book is well-structured and sticks to historical events which led us into the mess * For all government bailouts, Mr Ritholtz brings focus to their long-term effects rather than short-term ones * Mr Ritholtz does not try to predict future or give investment advice (thank you) * Illustrations are hilariously funny I enjoyed every page, it is very well worth time and money.

An easy explanation for a complicated subject...

It has been said that 'if you can't explain something in simple terms that anyone can understand, you don't understand it well enough yourself.' From the standpoint of that axiom, it is clear that Barry Ritholtz understands well the causes of the Great Financial Crisis of 2008. In plain terms, Ritholtz explains not only what directly led to the Crisis, but the events of the last 30 years which laid the groundwork of moral hazard which allowed the Crisis to occur as it did. Indeed, the events of the last two years were the result of a confluence of things gone wrong, and all sides of the political aisle are culpable, which Ritholtz makes clear in Bailout Nation. If you are looking for a clear, concise, bias-free explanation in layman's terms of the Financial Crisis and, most importantly, the myriad events which led up to it, then you should read this book. Actually, I think that EVERYONE should read this book, because if the warnings implicit in the book are not heeded very soon, the US will find itself in a situation that will be impossible to recover from intact. Indeed, we may already be there...

Great Read - Surprisingly Entertaining!

I will admit I am an outsider to the financial world. However Bailout Nation clarified current financial issues into a format that was hilarious and easy to follow. I am an avid reader of Barry Ritholtz's blog "The Big Picture," and this book showcases his ability to streamline all the best sources out there in a very comprehensive yet succinct manner. The clever artwork on the cover and between chapters proves very entertaining. I also enjoyed the section towards the end in which Ritholtz's respected contemporaries offered advice to President Obama.

Ritholtz is amazing

Barry Ritholtz was a contrarian when it wasn't cool. He called it early and called it right. Now he deserves the praise that this great book is earning. We need more cool-headed analysts like Barry.