40 pages • 1 hour read
Liar’s Poker
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Book Brief
320
Book • Nonfiction
Wall Street • 1980s
1989
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Originally published in 1989, Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis is a nonfiction account of his experiences as a Wall Street bonds salesman in the late 1980s. The book details his journey from a naive trainee at Salomon Brothers to a skilled bonds trader, navigating the high-stakes world of bond markets, the ethical dilemmas, and the corporate intrigue that defines the financial industry.
Informative
Gritty
Humorous
Suspenseful
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
113,510 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Michael Lewis’ Liar’s Poker offers a gripping insider’s look at Wall Street's excesses during the 1980s. Praised for its engaging storytelling and insightful critique of financial culture, some critics find the book's humor inconsistent and its narrative occasionally meandering. Nonetheless, it remains an essential read for finance and economics enthusiasts.
Who Should Read Liar’s Poker?
Readers who would enjoy Liar’s Poker by Michael Lewis are typically interested in finance, Wall Street culture, and insider stories. Comparable to Michael Lewis’s own The Big Short and Tom Wolfe’s The Bonfire of the Vanities, these readers appreciate exposing the inner workings of financial institutions and the characters behind them.
113,510 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Lewie Ranieri
Lewie Ranieri
The charismatic and unconventional leader of Salomon's mortgage department who helps develop the market for mortgage-backed securities.
John Gutfreund
John Gutfreund
Salomon Brothers' chairman, known for his intimidating presence and pivotal role in the firm's operations during a turbulent era.
“Dash Riprock”
“Dash Riprock”
A pseudonymous, successful trader in Salomon's London office known for his cryptic trading advice and sharp insights about the firm's future.
“Alexander”
“Alexander”
A pseudonymous, innovative salesman who mentors Lewis, demonstrating contrarian investment strategies and ingenuity in the finance world.
Michael Milken
Michael Milken
A pioneering and controversial figure in the finance industry who revolutionizes the junk bond market while working at Drexel Burnham.
Robert Dall
Robert Dall
A Salomon partner instrumental in developing mortgage-backed securities, paving the way for innovative investment strategies.
Howie Rubin
Howie Rubin
A Harvard-educated mortgage trader at Salomon known for his strategic acumen in the early mortgage market and later infamous trading loss.
320
Book • Nonfiction
Wall Street • 1980s
1989
Adult
18+ years
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