Reminiscences of a Stock Operator (A Marketplace Book) (ISBN 0471059706)

Amazon.com Review:
Stock investing is a relatively recent phenomenon and the inventory of true classics is somewhat slim. When asked, people in the know will always list books by Benjamin Graham, Burton G. Malkiel's A Random Walk Down Wall Street, and Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits and Other Writings by Philip A. Fisher. You'll know you're getting really good advice if they also mention Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre. Reminiscences of a Stock Operator is the thinly disguised biography of Jesse Livermore, a remarkable character who first started speculating in New England bucket shops at the turn of the century. Livermore, who was banned from these shady operations because of his winning ways, soon moved to Wall Street where he made and lost his fortune several times over. What makes this book so valuable are the observations that Lefèvre records about investing, speculating, and the nature of the market itself. For example: "It never was my thinking that made the big money for me. It always was my sitting. Got that? My sitting tight! It is no trick at all to be right on the market. You always find lots of early bulls in bull markets and early bears in bear markets. I've known many men who were right at exactly the right time, and began buying or selling stocks when prices were at the very level which should show the greatest profit. And their experience invariably matched mine--that is, they made no real money out of it. Men who can both be right and sit tight are uncommon." If you've ever spent weekends and nights puzzling over whether to buy, sell, or hold a position in whatever investment--be it stock, bonds, or pork bellies, you'll be glad that you read this book. Reminiscences of a Stock Operator is full of lessons that are as relevant today as they were in 1923 when the book was first published. Highly recommended. --Harry C. Edwards

Tradiing Philosophy:
Great philosophical read on trading in the market. Very interesting stories on mistakes made and corrections applied. Not a stock trading tutorial.

The Best Book About Trading Ever Written:
When people who are starting to get involved in the markets, whether as professionals or investors, ask me what books I suggest they read, this is the first one I always mention. Reminiscences of a Stock Operator is a quasi-biography of the legendary Jesse Livermore, who went from early 1900's bucket shop speculator to master trader, having won and lost large fortunes along the way in everything from stocks to cotton futures. Written by Edwin LeFevre in the 1920's, ROASO is one of the best books about trading ever written. The narrative sucks you right into the mindset of a speculator as trades go wrong, right, and then wrong again. Along the way, you get a tour of the turn-of-the-century brokerage world, a glimpse into the commodity markets, and a chance to meet an incredibly well-drawn cast of characters based on real-life figures who shaped the way our markets work today. My favorite of these characters is Mr. Partridge, who teaches the trader that no matter what, in a bull market, he will not part with his stock positions. His conviction is unshakable when implored by a tipster to part with his shares. His response is something along the lines of "I can't afford to sell my stock, as we are in a bull market." What Mr. Partridge is really saying is that, yes, maybe the tipster is correct that the stock is about to drop, but reacting to this minor fluctuation by selling could cause him to miss the broader trend of the market, which is higher. Mr. Partridge explains that his market education came through many booms and panics and at a high price, and so he couldn't possibly afford to throw that education out the window by losing his position in a bull market. As simplistic as this philosophy is, I am amazed at how often I see it disregarded here on The Street (and in my own trading!) I recommend Reminiscences of a Stock Operator to anyone who has an interest in trading, investing, speculation or the history of the commodities and stock markets. I am amazed that this book has not yet been made into a movie, although Hollywood would probably move it into a modern day setting, add a love interest and leave out all the interesting market mechanics that make the book so valuable. On second thought, read it now and pray that the film rights never get picked up...and ignore the words of Mr. Partridge at your own peril! The Reformed Broker http://thereformedbroker.com

Still the Best:
This is a classic book on trading and market speculation, and is still the best introduction to the subject. The author was one of the most successful traders of all time, gaining and losing massive fortunes multiple times in his life. The candid account of his experiences that is passed on in the book is priceless and accelerates one's development as a trader immensely. Recommended reading for all traders.

I haven't received the book at all:
I do think it's a great book, that's why I ordered it overseas. But,after a long-time-waiting,I haven't received it yet.So I don't have chance to read it at all.

Enlightening book:
This book has a lot to offer a trader. It is about the greatest trader that ever lived. While not written that well there are yet gems of data that make it worth the time and effort. It can apply to any market - not just stocks.