Like all good Michael Lewis works, The Money Culture delves into and cultivates some of the most captivating stories from a topsy-turvy age. It then unspools them in a delightfully engaging manner for his readers.

In The Money Culture, Lewis takes us on a journey to explore the financial scene of the late 1980s and early 1990s. This was a period that fell between the Savings and Loans crisis and before the deregulation and Internet bubble that would come to define the end of the 20th century on Wall Street.

Lewis presents us with a series of vignettes. There's a modern-day adaptation of A Christmas Carol, circa 1990, which offers a unique perspective on the times. He also provides sardonic bulletins from a cruise up the Amazon for would-be stock market dons. Through these, Lewis erects a deliciously ironic monument to what he calls "the masters of the universe" and shows us the havoc they left in their wake.

His writing style is both entertaining and thought-provoking, making The Money Culture a must-read for anyone interested in the financial world and the people who shape it.

The collection of short stories is not his most fascinating work.

However, it provides a great understanding of the financial system and the snobbish behavior of the "elite" during the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Each story within the collection offers a unique perspective on this particular era.

Readers can gain insights into the complex world of finance, with its intricate mechanisms and power dynamics.

The portrayal of the "elite" as snobbish and self-centered adds an interesting layer to the narrative.

It allows us to see how their behavior was influenced by their social status and financial wealth.

Overall, while not his most outstanding work, this collection of short stories is still a valuable piece of literature that offers a glimpse into a specific time period and its cultural and social aspects.

In the 1980s, the world of finance was filled with a plethora of stories, some of which were not only funny but downright hilarious.

These tales offer a unique glimpse into the financial landscape of that era, with its own set of quirks and idiosyncrasies.

From the antics of Wall Street traders to the misadventures of investors, there was never a dull moment.

Reading these stories is not only entertaining but also provides valuable insights into the inner workings of the financial world.

Whether you're a finance enthusiast or simply looking for a good laugh, this collection of stories is sure to delight.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the humorous and often absurd world of finance in the 1980s.

In terms of big financial news, it can be guessed that not much significant happened in the early 1990s. This book served as an excellent epilogue to the "Barbarians at the Gate" 1980s and smoothly transitioned into the greed of the Dotcom boom and what followed. One point that really struck me was Lewis's observation regarding the roots of the changing relationship between banks and corporations.

Changing the structure of the market for corporate shares has profound effects on corporate control for several reasons. Firstly, when brokerage profits collapse, brokerage firms are compelled to scurry around in an attempt to discover new sources of revenue. (On Wall Street in May 1975, when fixed commissions were abolished, Joe Perella was encouraged to establish his M&A department at First Boston.) Secondly, when the ancient brokerage cartels are removed, it disrupts the symbiotic relationship between financiers and captains of industry. This change in the market structure has far-reaching consequences that reshape the dynamics between banks and corporations, influencing the entire financial landscape.

Funny. It was written in 1991 and yet it remains extremely relevant today. This piece, which was penned so long ago, has managed to stand the test of time. The ideas and concepts presented within it still hold true and can be related to in our modern era. It's almost as if it was written specifically for the present day. The humor and wit that are intertwined throughout the text continue to amuse and engage readers. Despite the passage of nearly three decades, its charm and significance have not waned. It serves as a reminder that some things never change and that good writing can have a lasting impact. Whether it's the social commentary, the relatable situations, or the clever wordplay, this article has something for everyone. It's a true gem that continues to shine brightly in the world of literature.

This is a collection of his magazine articles. On the whole, it is moderately entertaining. However, it has a significant drawback. There is no kind of thread running through the book, nor is there any real structure. As a result, it fails to provide a truly fulfilling reading experience for me.

The lack of a unifying thread makes it difficult for the reader to follow a coherent narrative or theme. Each article seems to stand alone, without any clear connection to the others. This disjointedness can be quite distracting and may prevent the reader from fully engaging with the content.

Moreover, the absence of a real structure means that the book lacks a sense of organization and flow. The articles are not arranged in any particular order, which can make it seem haphazard and unprofessional. A more thoughtful and deliberate structure would have enhanced the overall readability and value of the collection.

In conclusion, while the magazine articles in this collection may have some entertainment value, the lack of a thread and structure ultimately make it a less than fulfilling read for me.

While waiting for another Michael Lewis book, it's truly a delight to turn to these old pieces.

Most of them are now more than 30 years old, yet they remain excellent reading material and vividly showcase his early writing styles.

The story of Eddie Braverman and Lewis' account of the Nabisco takeover are particularly enjoyable.

If you've already read other writers' works on the same topic, you'll find an added layer of interest.

What's more, it demonstrates how the perspective of a person within these stories can be the most captivating aspect of the retelling.

It gives a unique and fresh take on the events, making the reader engage more deeply with the narrative.

These old pieces are not just a relic of the past but a testament to Lewis' enduring talent as a writer.

They offer a valuable insight into his development as a storyteller and are well worth revisiting.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Michael Lewis or new to his work, these pieces are sure to provide an entertaining and thought-provoking read.

This book is a compilation of previously published essays, and unfortunately, it gives the impression of being an unrelenting attempt to make money. While there are perhaps a few hidden gems within, overall, it is not truly worth the time and effort to read.

The essays themselves seem to lack a cohesive theme or purpose, jumping from one topic to another in a rather disjointed manner. Some of the writing is passable, but there is nothing truly outstanding or groundbreaking.

It's as if the publisher simply threw together a bunch of essays without much thought or consideration for the reader. In a market saturated with high-quality literary works, this collection fails to stand out and falls short of expectations.

Save your money and your precious reading time for something more worthwhile.

This is a remarkable collection of articles and stories that were published during the late 1980s and the early to mid-1990s.

What makes it truly astonishing is its eerie prescience when compared to the current events. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the oil crisis, and the perfect storm of other happenings that have combined to create the colossal mess that is 2020.

The insights provided on Lehman Brothers, especially the story of Eddie Braverman, are both fascinating and revealing. The history of Leveraged Buy Outs (LBO's) and their significance for the early 1990s is also explored in great detail.

Furthermore, the account of what transpired in the world wide markets after the 1993 Tokyo earthquake is truly riveting. These stories are not only informative but also engaging, making this collection a must-read for anyone interested in history and current affairs.

I absolutely LOVED these stories and found them to be both thought-provoking and entertaining.

A highly entertaining exposé of U.S., British, and Japanese financial culture during the late '80's and early '90's is presented here. It is not only a captivating look back at that era but also holds relevant truths for our current and more recent money world. Michael Lewis has masterfully crafted a series of tales that are often humorous and sometimes sobering. These tales involve financial discussions and interactions with a diverse range of people from that time, including liquor store sales clerks and top business architects. In fact, he even managed to gain an audience with Emperor Akihito himself! Well, perhaps not so much for a discussion, but rather for an award. Altogether, this is an entertaining read that can be enjoyed in small doses. It is essentially a collection of articles that he wrote during that time, providing a unique and engaging perspective on the financial landscape of the late '80's and early '90's.

This is a very well-written book.

However, I found that I was not as interested in the topic as I initially thought I would be.

Michael Lewis is indeed a fantastic author. He has a unique way of using stories to communicate the overarching context of the change that the finance market has undergone.

He provides examples that may seem extreme at first glance, but in reality, they are more common than those outside of this community might imagine.

These examples help to bring the complex world of finance to life and make it more understandable for the average reader.

Despite my lack of personal interest in the topic, I can still appreciate the quality of the writing and the valuable insights that Lewis provides.

This book is definitely worth reading for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of the finance market and the forces that are shaping it.

This work is best suited for the Michael Lewis completist or those individuals who possess a keen interest in the late '80s Wall Street culture.

The writing within it is of a good standard, with a certain charm and style that engages the reader. However, it must be noted that at this current point in time, it feels very dated.

The events and the context described are firmly rooted in a bygone era, and some of the concepts and practices may seem foreign or even archaic to a modern audience.

Nonetheless, for those who are fascinated by the history and culture of Wall Street during that particular period, it can still offer valuable insights and an entertaining read.

It serves as a snapshot of a time when the financial world was undergoing significant changes and when the actions and decisions of a few individuals could have far-reaching consequences.

Overall, while it may not have the same relevance and impact as it did when it was first published, it remains a worthwhile piece of work for those with a specific interest in this area.