Buffett

By Roger Lowenstein,

Book cover of Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist

Book description

Since its hardcover publication in August of 1995, Buffett has appeared on the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, San Francisco Chronicle, Los Angeles Times, Seattle Times, Newsday and Business Week bestseller lists.

Starting from scratch, simply by picking stocks and companies for investment, Warren Buffett amassed one of the…

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Why read it?

2 authors picked Buffett as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

There have been newer books on Warren Buffett since this 1995 gem, but this one goes the deepest into the mechanisms that have brought Buffett a $124 billion fortune. Plus it’s the best on Buffett’s quirky personality. I’ve known Roger from our days at The Wall Street Journal together, and it was exciting seeing him research this project over a three-year span – even if Buffett never officially helped him. The finished book made me feel I “knew” Buffett as if he were a long-time neighbor. 

From George's list on financial heroes and villains.

Roger Lowenstein is an outstanding journalist who co-authored another one of my favorite investment books, When Genius Failed: The Rise of Fall of Long-Term Capital Management.

Lowenstein authored one of the earlier Buffett biographies. Meticulously researched, I learned much about the young Buffett and his early forays in business. The book discusses some insightful and hilarious stories. For example, Lowenstein notes that one of Buffett’s all-time favorite managers, Tom Murphy of Capital Cities, painted only the front of his corporate headquarters to save money. A fun and insightful read.

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