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65 pages 2 hours read

Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1989

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Book Brief

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Bryan Burrough, John Helyar

Barbarians at the Gate

Nonfiction | Biography | Adult | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Barbarians at the Gate chronicles the dramatic 1988 leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, focusing on the fierce competition between corporate titans like F. Ross Johnson and Henry Kravis, and exploring themes of corporate greed, excess, and the aggressive nature of Wall Street during the 1980s. The book also delves into the significant impact of individual personalities on major financial decisions.

Informative

Suspenseful

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.5

43,767 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar offers a gripping and detailed account of the 1988 RJR Nabisco leveraged buyout. Praised for its thorough research and engrossing narrative, it immerses readers into Wall Street's high-stakes world. However, some criticize its length and occasional complexity. Overall, it remains a compelling read for those intrigued by corporate finance.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Barbarians at the Gate?

A reader who enjoys Barbarians at the Gate by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar is likely interested in corporate finance, high-stakes business drama, and mergers and acquisitions. Similar to readers of Michael Lewis's Liar's Poker and Andrew Ross Sorkin's Too Big to Fail, they appreciate detailed investigative journalism and insights into Wall Street's volatile nature.

4.5

43,767 ratings

85%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

592

Format

Biography • Nonfiction

Setting

United States • 1980s

Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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