My review of Barbarians at the Gate

Tim de Jong

— 1 min read
My review of Barbarians at the Gate
"A few million dollars are lost to the sands of time." - Ross Johnson

Rating: 4/5

Barbarians at the Gate is a corporate classic that should be read by everyone interested in tales of finance history, specifically the origins of private equity, corporate intrigue, or wants a taste of 80's flavour. Authors Bryan Burrough and John Helyar give a thrilling account of important developments in a pivotal event in US corporate history: the battle for RJR Nabisco.

Here's my pro's and cons:

Pro's:

  • Offers an accessible look at the sometimes opaque world of corporate finance, even for those unfamiliar with the subject matter.
  • Storytelling is detailed, taking the you along with every detail of the drama unfolding. Pick the audiobook format for the best experience.
  • Provides a great overview of key players in the story (e.g. RJR Nabisco's board and management team, Shearson, KKR, Salomon Brothers), the history of each and the dynamics between them.

Con's:

  • Detailed storytelling causes the story to meander at times, distracting from the main narrative. This applies most to the early chapters of the book, as the authors set up context.

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