More Money Than God: Hedge Funds and the Making of the New Elite

I found this to be a very interesting read on the history of hedge funds, how they work and how they have evolved over time in times of crisis and innovation. It also gives you some background on the habits and personalities of the hedge fund magnates who made billions throughout the years. It's a fairly long book but I was never bored by it as the written style makes it very engaging. It also doesn't go into a great amount of detail on the technicalities which can be a blessing (it doesn't disrupt the narrative, this isn't an academic text after all) or a curse (if you're into the technical side), depending on how you look at it, but it is a very good insight into the industry and how hedge funds grew enough to influence global markets and even governments. Definitely recommended if you don't mind something a bit long and are into finance.

This book gives a thorough history of the emergence and success of hedge funds, without assuming much prior knowledge of modern finance. While the material may be, to some, a little dry, it's a well-written book that doesn't feel like a slog. It's interesting to hear about the characters themselves running large funds, and the level of research that must have gone into writing this text is really impressive.

It’s fascinating how hedge funds were at the Center of all major financial events since the 1950s, either driving the crisis or escalating it - never being an insignificant force during those times. The author has been brilliant with the details and insight of each event. It was also intriguing how HFs could be a pain for large governments but were still off tough regulations.I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is interested in understanding the various investment strategies through out-of-the-box thinking employed by HFs. It is a relevant book because I think HFs will remain a relevant force in the markers and can continually shake them in the future.

This is a wonderful, non-technical history of the hedge fund industry. Disclosure: I work in a large hedge fund, but in a non trading role. I purchased the book as I wanted to get a deeper insight into how these firms grew up and I am glad i have. As others have mentioned, it is a very long book but all of the information seems to be necessary. It takes you right from the first ever hedge fund up to the present. A great read for anyone who wants to work in the industry and needs a perspective on the history, or equally to someone who just has a casual interest in these firms which for the most part are quite secretive. 8.5/10.

Possibly goes in to more depth and covers more breadth than anything by Michael Lewis or Greg Zuckerman. Very fun (addictive) reading. Excellent style of writing providing the background, state of play and follow on to each of his scenarios. Covers things right from the beginning with Alfred Winslow Jones to the modern day age. Constantly plugs hedge funds but also provides some nice statistics towards the end to show that it isn't all golden.Essential reading for any hedge fundie

This book is well written and timely. It tells the story dispassionately and in a way that a layman can understand. A good overview and introduction to an often misunderstood area of financial services, with some interesting portraits of the key players.

Twelve years after publication this remains an one of the better accounts of how hedge funds were conceived and the consequences - positive and negative - of their "business". The 55 pages of detailed endnotes reference interviews with key personalities. One glaring omission, however, is the failed August 1998 attack on the Hong Kong currency peg which is well-documented and of which Barton Biggs wrote, "When the hedge funds become a pack and attack a country the way they attacked Hong Kong, they are engaged in destabilising and essential immoral activity." See Joseph Yam's "Defending Hong Kong's Monetary Stability" speech at TDC Networking Luncheon, Singapore on 14 October 1998.

Poorly organised content and text-book-like writing style makes this a truly disappointing dry reading. Though if you look beyond this, there are merits to the content.

Has some a bit technical stuff but it is ok if you know the basic of finance. Quite evolving book.

In his book "More Money Than God: Hedge Funds and the Making of a New Elite," Sebastian Mallaby tells the story of the rise of hedge funds, from their humble beginnings in the 1950s to their current status as one of the most powerful forces in the global financial system. Mallaby provides a fascinating account of the personalities and strategies that have made hedge funds so successful, and he also explores the implications of their growing power for the economy and society as a whole.This book is like a financial buffet, serving up a tantalizing blend of outrageous stories, mind-boggling wealth, and brilliant insights that will leave you simultaneously amazed and mesmerized.Mallaby effortlessly weaves together the Wall Street titans and hedge fund wizards, taking us on a journey that parts thrilling and absurd. He delves into the secret strategies and questionable ethics of these money-munching moguls, revealing the distorted reality of a world where billions are made or lost in the blink of an eye.But what sets "More Money Than God" apart is its witty narration, blending a humorous tone with deep insights into the workings of the financial universe. Mallaby has a knack for turning mind-numbing financial jargon into entertaining anecdotes that will leave you chuckling and shaking your head. From extreme risk-taking to mind-bending market machinations, you’ll be left wondering if these financial wizards are geniuses, lunatics, or a unique mix of both.Mallaby dives deep into the complex world of finance, exploring the origins of hedge funds, the intricacies of short-selling, and the impact of these financial behemoths on the global economy. You'll come away with understanding of the forces that shape our financial world, as well as a healthy dose of cynicism and skepticism.In the end, "More Money Than God" is insightful, and occasionally jaw-dropping exploration of the excesses and eccentricities of the finance industry. Mallaby's brilliant storytelling and sharp analysis make this book a must-read for anyone who wants to the curtain of the most powerful money-making machine."More Money Than God" is a well-researched and well-written book that is both informative and entertaining. Mallaby does an excellent job of explaining complex financial concepts in a way that is accessible to the lay reader, and he also provides a balanced assessment of the pros and cons of hedge funds -- I recommend it highly.

Buen producto

Ich habe schon viele gute Finanzbücher gelesen - dieses kommt in meine Hall of Fame! Liest sich sehr gut und sehr spannend, dabei von den Anfängern der Hedgefonds bis in die Gegenwert alle namhaften Akteure vertreten. Inhaltlich und vom Stil her ähnlich spannend und informativ wie "The greates Trade Ever" von Gregory Zuckerman oder "When Genius Failed" von Rodger Lowenstein, natürlich nicht ganz so tief in den einzelnen Geschichten drin, aber man lernt definitiv wieder dazu. Und vor allem liest es sich sehr angenehm, alles knackig auf den Punkt ohne Längen.Absolut zu empfehlen!

Per chiunque fosse interessato ad approfondire l'approccio agli investimenti di alcuni tra i gestori di fondi hedge più importanti di sempre. Le note molto dettagliate rimandano a moltissimi altri testi e articoli. Lo rileggerei volentieri se non fossi preso proprio dallo studio delle note!