Wall Street: A History, Updated Edition - Softcover

Geisst, Charles R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0195396219 ISBN 13: 9780195396218

Publisher: Oxford University Press, 2012

Synopsis

Wall Street is an unending source of legend--and nightmares. It is a universal symbol of both the highest aspirations of economic prosperity and the basest impulses of greed and deception. Charles R. Geisst's Wall Street is at once a chronicle of the street itself--from the days when the wall was merely a defensive barricade built by Peter Stuyvesant--and an engaging economic history of the United States, a tale of profits and losses, enterprising spirits, and key figures that transformed America into the most powerful economy in the world. The book traces many themes, like the move of industry and business westward in the early 19th century, the rise of the great Robber Barons, and the growth of industry from the securities market's innovative financing of railroads, major steel companies, and Bell's and Edison's technical innovations. And because "The Street" has always been a breeding ground for outlandish characters with brazen nerve, no history of the stock market would be complete without a look at the conniving of ruthless wheeler-dealers and lesser known but influential rogues.

This updated edition covers the historic, almost apocalyptic events of the 2008 financial crisis and the overarching policy changes of the Obama administration. As Wall Street and America have changed irrevocably after the crisis, Charles R. Geisst offers the definitive chronicle of the relationship between the two, and the challenges and successes it has fostered that have shaped our history.

About this title

About the Author:

Charles R. Geisst is Ambassador Charles A. Gargano Professor of Finance at Manhattan College, and the author of many books, including Collateral Damaged: The Marketing of Consumer Debt to America and Beggar-Thy-Neighbor: A History of Usury and Debt.

Review:

Acclaim for earlier editions:

"A thorough retelling of a critical--though often overlooked--aspect of U.S. history."--The Wall Street Journal

"A quick-reading history of the United States as told through the doings of bankers and brokers."--The Washington Post

"Geisst has produced a sweeping history of Wall Street, from its inception as an outdoor market to its current status of global financial center.... This lively narrative is a good survey of American economic history that puts Wall Street at the forefront."--History

"Concluding with the 2009 great recession, Geisst observes, 'As the markets meandered during the Great Recession, it became clear that Wall Street had little intention of reforming unless forced to do so by Washington.' Some things never change, as we learn in this excellent book for financial-history enthusiasts." --Booklist

"Geisst is author of several works, including Collateral Damaged: The Marketing of Consumer Debt to America and TheLast Partnerships: Inside the Great Wall Street Dynasties." --CHOICE

"In general, Wall Street is an informative and easy read, emphasizing colorful figures and suspensful anecdotes while providing the basic facts and noting key turning points."--Journal of Economic Literature

Acclaim for earlier editions:

"A thorough retelling of a critical--though often overlooked--aspect of U.S. history."--The Wall Street Journal

"A quick-reading history of the United States as told through the doings of bankers and brokers."--The Washington Post

"Geisst has produced a sweeping history of Wall Street, from its inception as an outdoor market to its current status of global financial center.... This lively narrative is a good survey of American economic history that puts Wall Street at the forefront."--History

"Concluding with the 2009 great recession, Geisst observes, 'As the markets meandered during the Great Recession, it became clear that Wall Street had little intention of reforming unless forced to do so by Washington.' Some things never change, as we learn in this excellent book for financial-history enthusiasts." --Booklist

"Geisst is author of several works, including Collateral Damaged: The Marketing of Consumer Debt to America and TheLast Partnerships: Inside the Great Wall Street Dynasties." --CHOICE

"In general, Wall Street is an informative and easy read, emphasizing colorful figures and suspensful anecdotes while providing the basic facts and noting key turning points."--Journal of Economic Literature

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 0195396219
• ISBN 13: 9780195396218
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 544