Reminiscences of a Stock Operator by Edwin Lefèvre

Written in the 1920s, this book is a collection of interviews with one of the most famous traders and speculators of all time, Jesse Livermore (referred to as the pseudonym Larry Livingston in the book). The vicissitudes in his life were remarkable, continually making and losing fortunes as he speculated in the markets. Tragically the turmoil in his life proved too much for him to handle as he ultimately committed suicide.

Some of my favorite parts of the book showed how the markets worked back then, before today’s regulations that most of us take for granted. Insider trading and manipulation seemed rampant and only the most savvy traders could profit. Perhaps the markets have not changed much. People interested in the stock market ethos of the time will appreciate this book.