Known as the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffet is the subject of this biography--of both the man and his ideas. A #1 "New York Times" bestseller, this great American story tells readers why Buffett is the most fascinating American success story of our time.

Reviews

Verdict: This massive-and highly readable-text (produced with Buffett's full cooperation) is an unvarnished and well-paced biography that is essential for all public and academic business collections. Background: Schroeder, a former Wall Street analyst, profiles the world's most idiosyncratic and successful investor in a book that recounts her subject's sage business mantras ("Be greedy when others are fearful, and fearful when others are greedy, but don't think you can outsmart the market") and a private life dominated by enthusiasm, obsession, and eccentricity. Since childhood, Buffett has been single-minded in his drive to amass wealth, and because of an unhappy relationship with his mother, he surrounds himself with mothering women. Schroeder contrasts his relationships with powerful figures like Katharine Graham and Bill Gates against his simple Omaha lifestyle and such humble details as his picky eating habits and "bathtub memory"-his ability to forget disturbing memories selectively.-Lawrence Maxted, Gannon Univ., Erie, PA Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.

Successful investor Warren Buffett sits down with author Schroeder to give readers deep and erudite insights into his work and personal life. Detailing his views on current trends in the economy and society, Buffet speaks with tremendous wisdom about everything from his family to his business ethics. Richard McGonagle gives an eloquent, straightforward reading. He has a knack for delivering words with a profound importance in his voice, drawing in listeners and holding their interest for hours. Schroeder reads her introduction and sets the tone for this revealing biography. A Bantam hardcover (reviewed online). (Oct.) Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

"""The mandatory book to read in these treacherous times of financial crisis....A thoughtful and intimate biography of the globe's wisest investor." -"Forbes
""Will mesmerize anyone interested in who Mr. Buffett is or how he got that way." The Snowball tells a fascinating story.""-New York Times"
"If the replication of any great achievement first requires knowledge of how it was done, then The Snowball, the most detailed glimpse inside Warren Buffett and his world that we likely will ever get, should become a Bible for capitalists." --"Washington Post
""Anyone who has been watching events unfold in recent months-which would be everyone-can now appreciate the wisdom of Buffett....The most authoritative portrait of one of the most important American investors of our time.""-Los Angeles Times"
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""Even people who don't care a whit about business will be intrigued by this portrait... Schroeder, a former insurance-industry analyst, spent years interviewing Buffett