Summaries and Customer Reviews are supplied by Amazon.com

The hallmark of Graham's philosophy is not profit maximization but loss minimization. In this respect, The Intelligent Investor is a book for true investors, not speculators or day traders. He provides, "in a form suitable for the laymen, guidance in adoption and execution of an investment policy" (1). This policy is inherently for the longer term and requires a commitment of effort. Where the speculator follows market trends, the investor uses discipline, research, and his analytical ability to make unpopular but sound investments in bargains relative to current asset value. Graham coaches the investor to develop a rational plan for buying stocks and bonds, and he argues that this plan must be a bulwark against emotional behavior that will always be tempting during abrupt bull and bear markets.

Since it was first published in 1949, Graham's investment guide has sold over a million copies and has been praised by such luminaries as Warren E. Buffet as "the best book on investing every written." These accolades are well deserved. In its new form--with commentary on each chapter and extensive footnotes prepared by senior Money editor, Jason Zweig--the classic is now updated in light of changes in investment vehicles and market activities since 1972. What remains is a better book. Graham's sage advice, analytical guides, and cautionary tales are still valid for the contemporary investor, and Zweig's commentaries demonstrate the relevance of Graham's principles in light of 1990s and early twenty-first century market trends. --Patrick O'Kelley

Average Customer Rating:

Have a Margin of Safety and believe in your analysis!

Customer Rating:

The Margin of Safety principle is probably the main thing to get from this book. The book gives many comparisons and instructive historical examples, but is a bit lacking in terms of actual advise on how to conduct an analysis, even though the book was supposedly aimed at the layman reader. I would recommend browsing this book and focus mainly on the two chapters already recommended by Warren Buffett, namely the chapter about stock market fluctuations and the chapter about margin of safety. Concerning the overall philosophy of long-term investing I prefer Phil Fisher's book: Common Stocks and Uncommon profits. In addition you will also need a proper book on valuation, although Graham does give a very simple valuation formula, I feel it is too focused on earnings (that is, the 'net income' which is often deceptive due to depreciation, new investments, etc.), and I personally prefer a proper Discounted Cash Flow model. Check my other reviews if I should one day post a review for a good book on valuation.

Best Investment Book I've Ever Read

Customer Rating:

The Intelligent Investor has helped me focus on the long term, to really internalize what sort of returns I should expect from my stock and bond investments and to temper my enthusiasm when the market gets exciting. Graham writes clearly, uses examples that are easily understood, and makes his points in an understated style. Though a bit dated -- Ben Graham met his greater reward more than thirty years ago and Jason Zweig focuses his commentary on the internet bubble and its aftermath -- the lessons set forth remain critical to value investing today. Just buy and read (and re-read) this book!

I should have read this book before investing

Customer Rating:

Simple like that: if you are a layman investor and don't want to lose a dime, stop your investment actions right now and start reading this book immediately. I've started composing my stock portfolio a couple of months, before reading this book. At that time, I didn't know any of the Graham's wise lessons and took many decisions, some Graham-complying ones and some not. After six months, all bets on companies in a strong financial position, with a dividend payment history of more than 20 years, offering shares with a discount as consequence of the market fluctuation, and so on, proved to be right, even during crisis time. A must read book for anyone aspiring to be a fraction of what a true investor is.

Time to think seriously...

Customer Rating:

Whether you are an investor or speculator, this book provides more detailed information than any book I have read. To get the most from this book, one must be willing to devote time to absorb what the author is writing about. As it is a rather large book, it is easy to put aside; however if one is serious about the "market" the vital information is available in this book. I firmly believe if one will read and understand this information, your financial program will benefit. Sam Harris

Simply The Best Book Ever Written About Stocks

Customer Rating:

Having being for some time a small investor with mixed results I was trying to learn more about the dynamics of the stock market. Benjamim Graham makes an excellent case for value investing which distinguishes true investors from speculators. It is as actual today (if not more then) as it was first written several decades ago. If you only read one book about stocks, be sure you pick this one. Highly recommended!