The Last Tycoons, William D. Cohan Friday, February 22, 2008
Posted by ei-forum in Book Reviews.trackback
Subtitled: ‘The Secret History of Lazard Frères & Co.’, this +700 page ‘tale of unrestrained ambition, billion-dollar fortunes, byzantine power struggles and hidden scandal’ will definitely prove difficult to put down and stop reading.
Despite all the controversy surrounding this book, this is a great read and a true insider view of Wall Street and the house of Lazard. Truth be told, this could be a blockbuster movie (well, actually probably too much to convey in one single movie) and is truly a very comprehensive piece of research that has been undertaken by Mr. Cohan. Maybe one small criticism could be that there is a bit too much detail in some parts but all in, reads fine.
From the establishment of the firm to the near demise during World War II, Cohan portrays all the ‘Great Men’ of Lazard up to the final IPO and the end of a dynasty:
- André MEYER: architect of the post-war resurrection.
- Felix ROHATYN: possibly the greatest investment banker that ever lived.
- Michel DAVID-WEILL: the last scion of the family-owned banking empire.
- Steve RATTNER: the PR/Media king that tried to save the firm.
- Bill LOOMIS: the ultimate Lazard survivor who also repeatedly tried to save the firm.
- Bruce WASSERSTEIN: a living legend – one of the key figures of investment banking history who ultimately took the firm private and made a fortune.
- …and many more key bankers such as Gerardo Braggiotti.
From Paris to London to New York, ambition, wealth, power, betrayal, side-deals, tradition, drama, etc…….. this is a truly fascinating book and a must read.
Enjoy!
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This book in audio format is offered in a free download from nypl.org, if one has a library card.
[...] For those of you who are intereted in our review of his previous book on Lazard, please click here. [...]