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Business Adventures: Twelve Classic Tales from the World of Wall Street Paperback – August 12, 2014

by John Brooks (Author)

4.2 5,411 ratings

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“Business Adventures remains the best business book I’ve ever read.” —Bill Gates, The Wall Street Journal

What do the $350 million Ford Motor Company disaster known as the Edsel, the fast and incredible rise of Xerox, and the unbelievable scandals at General Electric and Texas Gulf Sulphur have in common? Each is an example of how an iconic company was defined by a particular moment of fame or notoriety; these notable and fascinating accounts are as relevant today to understanding the intricacies of corporate life as they were when the events happened.

Stories about Wall Street are infused with drama and adventure and reveal the machinations and volatile nature of the world of finance. Longtime New Yorker contributor John Brooks’s insightful reportage is so full of personality and critical detail that whether he is looking at the astounding market crash of 1962, the collapse of a well-known brokerage firm, or the bold attempt by American bankers to save the British pound, one gets the sense that history repeats itself.

Five additional stories on equally fascinating subjects round out this wonderful collection that will both entertain and inform readers . . . Business Adventures is truly financial journalism at its liveliest and best.

From the Publisher

WARNING: California’s Proposition 65

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“[Brooks] provides the early version of what we think of as Malcolm Gladwell–style or Freakonomics-style lessons. . . . But Brooks features another trait that modern business writers, whether James Stewart, Malcolm Gladwell, or Michael Lewis, do not. Brooks is truly willing to give up his own views to get inside the mind of all his subjects.” —National Review

“More than two decades after Warren [Buffett] lent it to me—and more than four decades after it was first published—Business Adventures remains the best business book I’ve ever read . . . Brooks’s deeper insights about business are just as relevant today as they were back then.” —Bill Gates, The Wall Street Journal

“The prose is superb. Reading Brooks is a supreme pleasure. His writing turns potentially eye-glazing topics (e.g., price-fixing scandals in the industrial electronics market) into rollicking narratives. He’s also funny. . . . He tells entertaining stories replete with richly drawn characters, setting them during heightened moments within the world of commerce.” —Slate

About the Author

John Brooks (1920–1993) was an award-winning writer best known for his contributions to the New Yorker as a financial journalist. He was also the author of ten nonfiction books on business and finance, a number of which were critically acclaimed works examining Wall Street and the corporate world. His books Once in Golconda, The Go-Go Years, and Business Adventures have endured as classics. Although he is remembered primarily for his writings on financial topics, Brooks published three novels and wrote book reviews for Harper’s Magazine and the New York Times Book Review.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Open Road Media; Reprint edition (August 12, 2014)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 400 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1497644895
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1497644892
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.06 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1.1 x 8 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #93,846 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #93 in Theory of Economics
- #179 in Company Business Profiles (Books)
- #987 in Business Management (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.2 5,411 ratings

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John Brooks

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John Brooks (1920-1993) was an award-winning writer best known for his contributions to the New Yorker as a financial journalist. He was also the author of ten nonfiction books on business and finance, a number of which were critically acclaimed works examining Wall Street and the corporate world. His books Once in Golconda, The Go-Go Years, and Business Adventures have endured as classics. Although he is remembered primarily for his writings on financial topics, Brooks published three novels and wrote book reviews for Harper's Magazine and the New York Times Book Review.

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Customers find the stories interesting and refreshing. They find the information useful and relevant, with topics discussed being relevant today despite being written 50 years ago. The writing quality is praised as well-written and eloquent. However, some readers feel the content is outdated and the stories are too long. Opinions differ on the entertainment value, with some finding it entertaining and delightful, while others consider it boring and mundane.

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Story quality Information quality Writing quality Entertainment value Pacing Dated content Length

226 customers mention "Story quality"226 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the stories in the book. They find the content interesting and refreshing to read about business from someone without experience. The stories are poignant and thought-provoking, making the book an enjoyable journey.

"...and I truly feel it's worth the read if you plan to invest in the stock market...." Read more

"...Personally, this was a very interesting topic to delve into and learn more about as the book reveals how one wealthy businessman was able to upheave..." Read more

"...This book goes to the heart of what makes a company not only profitable, but great...." Read more

"...The book does give a ton of valuable lessons in leading an organization. Sometimes, people lead because of a sunken cost fallacy...." Read more

146 customers mention "Information quality"118 positive28 negative

Customers find the book insightful and educational. They say the core lessons in the essays transfer nicely and are practical. The author is good at explaining the intricacies of his topics, providing a level of depth not found in current business books. It's a must-read for anyone interested in big business, economics, investing, or taxation. The stories are detailed and provide parallels to today.

"...Reading this book has change my perspective on investing (maybe long term investing in the right companies is the way to go), and I truly feel it's..." Read more

"...stories that took place generations ago, the book still gives some insight useful for today’s business world. Strengths...." Read more

"...It provides a level of depth not found in the current crop of business books that are characterized by Jack Welch style self-aggrandizing or pithy..." Read more

"...This book is a must read for anyone interested in big business, economics, investing, or taxation...." Read more

106 customers mention "Writing quality"80 positive26 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book. They find the narrative engaging and well-written. The author provides thorough descriptions and looks at several people involved. Readers describe the book as a breeze to read through, clear, and entertaining. While some chapters lack detail, overall the narrative is detailed and simple.

"...Also, it reads very well and is simply enjoyable." Read more

"This is an exceptionally well written work with lessons more applicable today than ever before...." Read more

"...The essays are exceptionally well-written. Yes, they come from a different era, and not all of the essays were usable for my purpose...." Read more

"...It is not light reading too. The book does give a ton of valuable lessons in leading an organization...." Read more

64 customers mention "Entertainment value"36 positive28 negative

Customers have varying views on the book's entertainment value. Some find the business situations entertaining and funny, with clear lessons. Others find the writing engaging and amusing with its dry and sardonic humor. While some readers appreciate the detailed content, others feel the book lacks interest or relevance.

"...I found some of the stories funny, but still with lots of lessons to learn. What's more? I received the book as ordered...." Read more

"...some of the chapters are based on subjects that are frankly, not very interesting..." Read more

"...and thinking in so many ways; his words flow well and are entertaining to read if this genre is up your alley. Highly recommended!" Read more

"...It is a boring & tedious reading if a reader has any degree of significant business experience...." Read more

17 customers mention "Pacing"8 positive9 negative

Customers have different views on the pacing. Some find it interesting and well-presented, providing good background and insight into various business topics. Others feel the details make it a slow read and difficult to get through.

"...British pound in the 1960s, was extremely long-winded and somewhat difficult to follow...." Read more

"...that point on what the best lesson is from each as you get an interesting insider look into a myriad of business and government vignettes." Read more

"...I found the books' coverage of Xerox story to be very primitive, elementary & superficial. Same goes for GE, and other chapters...." Read more

"...Many of the stories might seem old, but they do provide some good background and insight into the world of wallstreet and business." Read more

53 customers mention "Dated content"15 positive38 negative

Customers find the content dated. They say the stories are interesting but of historical interest only.

"...The material is rather dated, which is positive because you see that issues in leadership and business is a common problem through the ages, but..." Read more

"...It's interesting but of historical interest only. There's very little that can be gleaned or used in today's current and modern world...." Read more

"This is a glimpse into the Golden 60's when American Industry provided a good prospect and promise for the middle class...." Read more

"...The author is a very talented writer and while the stories are a bit dated, most pull you into a specific sphere of the business world very quickly...." Read more

22 customers mention "Length"0 positive22 negative

Customers find the stories in the book too long and tedious. They feel the stories drag on and are difficult to follow. Some readers also mention the stories contain personal details that some readers found inappropriate.

"...The chapters are rather long, and can be super detailed. You have to have a long attention span to digest the book. It is not light reading too...." Read more

"...by bankers to save the British pound in the 1960s, was extremely long-winded and somewhat difficult to follow...." Read more

"I understand that it was written in the sixties, but it is extremely long. It should be cut in half or even more to attract new audience...." Read more

"...It was just too long and dry." Read more

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BookBob
Before "Greed was Good"
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2014
Verified Purchase

This is a glimpse into the Golden 60's when American Industry provided a good prospect and promise for the middle class. The 1960's saw US leadership in technology, winning with the Race to the Moon, and a revolution in Women & Civil rights. Mr. Brooks spot lighted a series of case studies featuring US companies and stock market events from that Era. It's interesting that a copy machine made by Xerox cost the price of a stately home, and required a skilled technician to operate it. Also a fire extinguisher was provided as a standby if it caught on fire. Yet Xerox was a top line growth company that made its investors big returns.

I like this book for the following reasons: it's speaks to America Innovation and investors who had the courage to hang in there and bear the up and downs. 2) It demonstrates the fact that leadership requires set- backs & those companies that accepted the risk will learn and succeed. 3) it gives me hope that stock market investors will learn from the in depth analysis Mr. Brooks brought forward that investing in truly motivated companies with the guts to innovate are worth putting forth your money & time to invest in. Finally it's a lesson into studying & seeking companies focused on producing leading edge products regardless of the quarterly bottom line, and weekly up & downs of global events.

The early printings of this book are impossible to find. Therefore, Mr. Buffet & Gates have come forth to reveal this lost treasure providing lessons from our past, and hopefully will instill a new (but old) way of thinking on how to seek and invest in top businesses. Reading this book has change my perspective on investing (maybe long term investing in the right companies is the way to go), and I truly feel it's worth the read if you plan to invest in the stock market. Also, it reads very well and is simply enjoyable.

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LF
A classic that presents useful lessons for today's business world.
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2016
Verified Purchase
While it would be easy to criticize Business Adventures, a book first published generations ago, for detailing business stories that took place generations ago, the book still gives some insight useful for today’s business world.

Strengths. This book covers many well-known companies that would probably be recognized by people who were baby boomers or older. The book covers a wide range of industries including automotive, aerospace, office equipment, and utilities.

While strategy books often cover the good decisions good companies make and the poor decisions that doom failing companies, Business Adventures also adds in some poor decisions good companies make. The Edsel chapter features Ford making a poor decision in releasing a new product. There is even a chapter about G.E., a very well known company, which is used to display how poor communication can having devastating effects on a company’s employees.

Business decisions are not made inside of a vacuum. Business Adventures provides useful information about the events leading up to decisions. When telling about the crash of ‘62, it tells how the delay in getting in orders precipitated panic that led to big sell offs.

In the Piggly Wiggly case, the author brings to light the idea of corners in the stock market and how they impact businesses. Personally, this was a very interesting topic to delve into and learn more about as the book reveals how one wealthy businessman was able to upheave the stock market for a period of time and go so far as to create his own little private stock market (which consisted entirely of stocks for his company). In this very same case, the author also explains how Piggly Wiggly was the first instance of what is known as the modern day supermarket, another fact which really stood out when reading this chapter.

Another great point to mention about Business Adventures is the fact that the stories are presented in a very casual and interesting way. When Piggly Wiggly’s owner is described as carrying wads of money in his pockets because his suitcase was too full, a slight sense of comedy arises. This is one of the better features of the book as it keeps the reader hooked by entertaining them rather than throwing a bunch of tedious factual information about various companies and their successes/failures.

Weaknesses. As mentioned earlier, most of the companies featured would be recognized by those who were baby boomers or older. Readers looking to learn about newer companies will need to look elsewhere. There are a few companies that are acknowledged in the text that do stand out even today. However, all of the information being provided about those companies is outdated.

At times the book can get bogged down into minute details that do not add to the development of the chapter. This happens quite a few times in the Edsel chapter when the author goes into details of the many key players in the Edsel’s development and failure. This can also be seen in the G.E. chapter where there is constant mention of the “wink” which represents how lax the company was about its corporate policy 20.5.

Some people may not appreciate the style of the book as it explores the successes and failures of many different corporations rather than sticking to just one specific case. However, the stories of this carry enough lessons that even readers today can gain insight from it. Evidence of this is that it is recommended by a founder of a tech company (Bill Gates) and holding company focusing on large cap companies (Warren Buffet).

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Lessons that are more applicable today than ever. Required reading for any business leader.
Reviewed in the United States on July 14, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is an exceptionally well written work with lessons more applicable today than ever before. It is the product of an insightful, knowledgeable, and intelligent journalist. It provides a level of depth not found in the current crop of business books that are characterized by Jack Welch style self-aggrandizing or pithy catch phrases intended to magically transform you into a leader.

This book goes to the heart of what makes a company not only profitable, but great. It touches on issues too often forgotten, or simply given lip service to, in modern business. Things like tenacity, investing for the long term, fair distribution of wealth, R&D, customer care. and social responsibility.

I was particularly struck by a comment from the then CEO of Xerox who said,

"The whole matter of committing the company to taking stands on major public issues raises questions that make us examine ourselves all the time. It's a matter of balance. You can't just be bland, or you throw away your influence. But you can't take a stand on every major issue, either. We don't think it's a corporation's job to take stands on national elections, for example. ..."

In an age of inversions, private equity, greed is good, and the Koch brothers, there are many valuable lessons to be learned here. Many of those have to do with the business ethics which too many modern companies have forgotten.

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21 people found this helpful

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Fabrice Q.
Educational and highly entertaining
Reviewed in Canada on November 26, 2024
Verified Purchase

"Business Adventures" is a fantastic read that combines valuable business lessons with captivating storytelling. Each chapter explores a unique business story, providing insight into key events like Xerox's mistakes, the rise and fall of Edsel, and the origins of the U.S. income tax. The book is both educational and highly entertaining, making it a great choice for anyone interested in learning about business history in a novel format.

Overall, it’s a fascinating and engaging read with lessons that remain relevant today.

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Carlos
Excelente livro
Reviewed in Brazil on June 9, 2021
Verified Purchase
Pequenos contos que dão uma ideia do comportamento dos homens de negócios nos Estados Unidos. Prendeu minha atenção.
Excelente para melhorar a compreensão da língua inglesa.

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Ken Eaton
Interesting read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 5, 2023
Verified Purchase
This book is filled with some of the great business stories. Worth a read to learn from history in an engaging storey telling way.

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Avon1
A must read for a entrepreneurs journey
Reviewed in Germany on February 20, 2021
Verified Purchase
Bought it as I read somewhere that it’s a beloved book for Bill gates. Really good for money minded and entrepreneurs. And for people who like to avoid big mistakes in entrepreneurship journey.

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Gabriella
Excelente libro
Reviewed in Mexico on January 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
Fue un obsequio; fue un regalo muy apreciado. Mucha gente lo recomienda y tienen razón, vale mucho la pena

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5.0 out of 5 stars Before "Greed was Good"

4.0 out of 5 stars A classic that presents useful lessons for today's business world.

5.0 out of 5 stars Lessons that are more applicable today than ever. Required reading for any business leader.

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Educational and highly entertaining

5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente livro

5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting read

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for a entrepreneurs journey

5.0 out of 5 stars Excelente libro

Before "Greed was Good"

A classic that presents useful lessons for today's business world.

Lessons that are more applicable today than ever. Required reading for any business leader.

Educational and highly entertaining

Excelente livro

Interesting read

A must read for a entrepreneurs journey

Excelente libro