Review: The Intelligent Investor (by Benjamin Graham)

September 23 2004, 6:37pm

When I first heard that [tag]Warren Buffett[/tag] recommends for all investors to read his mentor, [tag]Benjamin Graham[/tag]’s book The Intelligent Investor, I had to see what the book was all about. I was absolutely blown by the simplicity and relevancy of the content provided. It was like I was reading the lost scrolls that promised the secret of the treasure of the Templar Knights. I agree completely with Mr. Buffett. Even if you do not have any knowledge or technical aptitude for investment discussions, as long as you can read, understad and apply Chapter 8 of this investment bible, you will not do badly in the realm of investments. Though this book was originally written in 1949, it certain has not lost any relevancy through the progression of time. But what has been lost through time is its writing style. Modern readership may not fare well with the language with which this was written in. It is to Mr. Graham’s credit that it is still very readable, but I absolutely love the revision put together by senior Money editor, [tag]Jason Zweig[/tag]. Zweig is very well versed in the philosophies of Benjamin Graham. Every chapter is followed by commentary, and footnotes to complement Graham’s sage advice and analytical guides. The most interesting parts of the books were Graham’s cautionary tales through actual examples from his era, puntuacted by Zweig’s similar contributions to update with modern case studies. Before you invest a dollar, invest and read [tag]The Intelligent Investor[/tag] first!