Product Description

"Although Reminiscences...was first published some seventy years ago, its take on crowd psychology and market timing is a s timely as last summer′s frenzy on the foreign exchange markets."
—Worth magazine

"The most entertaining book written on investing is Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, by Edwin Lefèvre, first published in 1923."
—The Seattle Times

"After twenty years and many re–reads, Reminiscences is still one of my all–time favorites."
—Kenneth L. Fisher, Forbes

"A must–read classic for all investors, whether brand–new or experienced."
—William O′Neil, founder and Chairman, Investor′s Business Daily

"Whilst stock market tomes have come and gone, this remains popular and in print eighty years on."
—GQ magazine

First published in 1923, Reminiscences of a Stock Operator is the most widely read, highly recommended investment book ever. Generations of readers have found that it has more to teach them about markets and people than years of experience. This is a timeless tale that will enrich your life—and your portfolio.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #96289 in Books
• Published on: 2006-02-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 288 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Stock investing is a relatively recent phenomenon and the inventory of true classics is somewhat slim. When asked, people in the know will always list books by Benjamin Graham, Burton G Malkiel's A Random Walk Down Wall Street, and Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits and Other Writings by Philip A. Fisher. You'll know you're getting really good advice if they also mention Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre.

Reminiscences of a Stock Operator is the thinly disguised biography of Jesse Livermore, a remarkable character who first started speculating in New England bucket shops at the turn of the century. Livermore, who was banned from these shady operations because of his winning ways, soon moved to Wall Street where he made and lost his fortune several times over. What makes this book so valuable are the observations that Lefèvre records about investing, speculating, and the nature of the market itself. For example:

It never was my thinking that made the big money for me. It always was my sitting. Got that? My sitting tight! It is no trick at all to be right on the market. You always find lots of early bulls in bull markets and early bears in bear markets. I've known many men who were right at exactly the right time, and began buying or selling stocks when prices were at the very level which should show the greatest profit. And their experience invariably matched mine--that is, they made no real money out of it. Men who can both be right and sit tight are uncommon.

If you've ever spent weekends and nights puzzling over whether to buy, sell, or hold a position in whatever investment--be it stock, bonds, or pork bellies, you'll be glad that you read this book. Reminiscences of a Stock Operator is full of lessons that are as relevant today as they were in 1923 when the book was first published. --Harry C Edwards

Review
"...certainly one of the most entertaining books ever written about stock trading..." (Money magazine, November 2007)

"...is a classic that gives readers a sense of a trader′s mind..." (Wall Street Journal, August 7, 2006)

"…an engaging read, chock–full of pearls of wisdom and amusing anecdotes...candid and analytical style evoking sympathy for the narrator." (Money Week, October 2006)

“…contains timeless advice on the markets.” (The Independent, Extra, Thu 13th March)

Review
"...is a classic that gives readers a sense of a trader′s mind..." (Wall Street Journal, August 7, 2006)

"…an engaging read, chock–full of pearls of wisdom and amusing anecdotes...candid and analytical style evoking sympathy for the narrator." (Money Week, October 2006)

“…contains timeless advice on the markets.” (The Independent, Extra, Thu 13th March)

Customer Reviews

The last word (and probably the first) in market psychology
This book is, if understood and followed correctly, ALL one needs to be a successful trader.

It is the best observation of human nature displayed as a mass that has ever been written, and, as such, should be read by anyone interested in markets or psychology.

One of the most striking impressions it gives you is the realisation that NOTHING changes. The markets may be 24 hour, global and electronic now, but they will always move in the same fashion because they will always be driven by the two human emotions of fear and greed.

Run your winners, cut the losers....

Essential and Timeless
Superb tale that's relevant and informative to anyone trying to extract money from the markets. An excellent insight into the traps and pitfalls we all make whilst developing our own style or system.

Legendary 1923 Stock Trader Gets Novel Treatment
Edwin Lefèvre published this classic in 1923. His subject is Jesse Livermore, an infamous speculator and the world’s first documented successful day trader. Lefèvre thinly disguises Livermore, assigning him the fictional name Larry Livingston. First published as a series of Saturday Evening Post articles, this book explores greed, fear, envy and the relentless pursuit of fame and fortune, all as relevant today as in 1923 – one reason that this remains required reading for investors. The writing style is quaintly dated and Runyon-esque. Lefèvre’s use of old market jargon ("plungers," "bucket shops," "bear raids" and stock "operators" instead of brokers) reminds readers that this is a journalistic, a novelistic and a fiscal period piece. The illustrations by M.L. Blumenthal evoke its original publication date. Interestingly, market bubbles, whether in high-tech, railroads or real estate, remain basically as emotional and nonrational as they were in the early 1920s, so the lessons here remain meaningful. Speaking from that more innocent time, Lefèvre provides lasting market insights, including Livermore’s investing secrets. He distills the eternal truth that markets only go up or down, and that investors run on fear and greed. We strongly suggest this classic to serious investors and financial reporters. As you read it, you will hear the voice of its time and its lessons for today.