THE MIND OF WALL STREET: A Legendary Financier on the Perils of Greed and the Mysteries of the Market

This well-written investment book delivers both adventure and financial insight, offering an intriguing theory that blends economic fundamentals with a keen understanding of the stock market's many moods. Levy, a legendary Wall Street investor with more than 50 years of experience and the founder of Oppenheimer Funds, certainly has a firm intellectual grasp on the inner workings of the stock market, but also sees its psychological dynamic. He fleshes out this analysis of the markets and the economy from the 1950s to today with amusing and exciting financial stories. Early in his career, Levy piggybacked on corporate raids run by J. Paul Getty and Sy Scheuer. After helping to found Oppenheimer and later, Odyssey Partners, he had the capital to lead the way. He explains each investment story step-by-step, from initial research to acquiring positions and influence, fighting through defenses and counterattacks, and finally cashing out years later, usually—but not always—at a handsome profit. Interwoven throughout the financial dramas are character vignettes, autobiographical sketches, anecdotes and thoughtful digressions on Levy's philanthropy, social theories and market theories. (Nov.)

Forecast:Levy's association with Oppenheimer Funds should reel in investment-minded readers, and strong word-of-mouth could bring it decent sales.