Product Description

The Ferengi are greedy, ruthless, cowardly and completely unscrupulous - the ultimate role-model for anyone out to make a profit. For centuries the famous Ferengi Rules have been the guiding principles of the galaxy's entrepreneurs. This book makes their power and wisdom available to everyone.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #57861 in Books
• Published on: 1995-07-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 96 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
In this slim, pocket-sized volume, Ira Stephen Behr lists 70 of the total 285 Ferengi Rules of Acquisition that guide the behaviour of all Ferengi businessmen (the rest have not yet been revealed to mere humans). The introduction, ostensibly written by Quark, DS9's resident Ferengi bartender, sells the Rules in language amusingly similar to that used by the 100s of books currently available that promise to teach the reader how to succeed in business. Quark assures us that if we want to live the good life and see our profits increase, all we need to do is memorise, contemplate and apply the Rules of Acquisition. However, as the 19th Rule reminds us, "Satisfaction is not guaranteed".

The body of the book consists of the Rules themselves, one to a page, illustrated by a dozen black and white stills from the shows. Some are downright cynical, like Rule 261, "A wealthy man can afford anything except a conscience" but others make straightforward business sense, such as Rule 218, "Always know what you're buying".

This book may not make you rich but it certainly underlines the similarities between Ferengi business practices and the free-market capitalism we see all around us today and reminds us all that there is more than a grain of truth in the 284th Rule: "Deep down everyone's a Ferengi". --Elizabeth Sourbut

Customer Reviews

DIY toolkit for Future Business Gurus!
Quark's Rules of Acquisition do not only represent the dogmas of Ferengi business models, they equally contain larger than life quotes and one liners that do not only make you think... but also make you smile, recognising that the rules are universally 'true'; eg. # 44: "Never Confuse Wisdom With Luck".

The Ferengi Rules of Acquisition are a witty and intelligent collection of greedy and unscrupulous business slogans, hence representing a true reflection of Ferengi culture and trade ethics.

Conclusion: 100% satisfaction at a more than reasonable price!

Rule #141 - Only fools pay retail!
This is a great little precursor to "Legends of the Ferengi." Given the timing of this little treasure, it's a very good trek extra. As far as it being rules to live by, I don't know about that. For collector's sake, this is a pure must have! It's definitely worth the nominal fee. (Just don't pay retail) {ssintrepid}

Must Have for any trader and of-course: TREKIE.
"Once you have their money, you never give it back" or "no good deed ever goes unpunished". These are two of over 200 rules of those little gready guys, very alike the 20th century Humans.
The Book is a "must have" because it's funny and it's one of the most Star Trek series referenced literature: The Rules of Acquisition. So any Trekie should own one.
The missing fifth star goes for the poor paperback edition, and the printing aswell. I think it should have deserved a little more respect by the Publisher. I would have bought a Hard-Cover deluxe edition, after all it's the Holly Bible or The Tora or like other Sacred Book for Ferengi.
In summary: It's cheap(Ferengi heresy); it's a lot of fun; it's any Trekie collectors' "must have"; it's the secret book of any trader; it's the secret book of any CEO.
IRA: COME BACK, YOU ARE FORGIVEN SON!