Discover the untold story of the 1929 Wall Street Crash. Andrew Ross Sorkin reveals the greed, fraud, and human folly behind history's most devastating stock market collapse.
What You'll Discover
The 1929 stock market crash destroyed fortunes overnight.
Millions of investors watched their life savings vanish.
The collapse triggered the Great Depression.
But what really caused this financial disaster?
Behind the Headlines
Sorkin takes you inside the chaos. You'll meet:
- Visionary investors who saw warning signs
- Fraudsters who manipulated markets
- Titans who lost everything
- Dreamers who believed markets only go up
Why This Matters Today
The patterns from 1929 repeat in modern markets.
Speculation bubbles still form.
Investors ignore warning signs.
Politicians battle Wall Street over regulation.
What Makes This Book Different
Sorkin used previously hidden documents.
He interviewed descendants of key players.
The narrative reads like a thriller.
Complex financial concepts become clear.
Key Themes Explored
Greed and Human Psychology: Why do smart people make terrible financial decisions?
Political vs Financial Power: How did Washington respond to Wall Street's collapse?
Warning Signs Ignored: Which experts predicted the crash but were dismissed?
Lasting Impact: How does 1929 still shape today's financial system?
For Readers Who Want
- Understanding of market psychology
- Historical context for modern crashes
- Stories of real people behind headlines
- Lessons for today's investors
- Clear explanations of complex finance
About the Author
Andrew Ross Sorkin wrote Too Big to Fail about the 2008 financial crisis. He covers Wall Street for The New York Times. His work has shaped how people understand financial disasters.
Critical Reception
Financial experts call this the definitive 1929 crash history.
Readers praise Sorkin's storytelling ability.
The book connects historical events to current market conditions.
Target Audience
Primary Readers:
- History enthusiasts
- Finance professionals
- Investment students
- Business leaders
- Economics teachers
Secondary Readers:
- General non-fiction readers
- Documentary watchers
- Podcast listeners interested in finance
- Readers of Malcolm Gladwell or Michael Lewis
Content Structure
The book follows chronological events leading to Black Tuesday.
Each chapter focuses on key players and decisions.
Sorkin explains technical concepts in simple terms.
The narrative builds tension toward the crash.
Educational Value
Students learn about:
- Market bubble formation
- Regulatory failures
- Mass psychology in investing
- Government intervention debates
- Long-term economic consequences
Modern Relevance
Today's investors face similar challenges.
Social media amplifies market speculation.
Political tensions over financial regulation continue.
Cryptocurrency markets show bubble patterns.
Housing markets experience rapid price changes.
Research Quality
Sorkin spent years in archives.
He consulted previously classified government documents.
Family papers from major figures provided new insights.
Economic data support narrative claims.
Writing Style
Clear prose without jargon.
Short chapters maintain reader interest.
Personal stories humanize historical events.
Data presented through compelling anecdotes.
Conclusion
1929 offers crucial lessons for modern investors and policymakers. Sorkin's research reveals how human nature drives market cycles. The book serves as both a historical record and a warning for future generations.
Andrew Ross Sorkin examines the 1929 Wall Street Crash through newly discovered documents and historical records. The book explores the human psychology behind market speculation and connects past financial disasters to modern market behaviors.
