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How to Get Rich in American History: 300 Years of Financial Advice That Worked
352 pages, Hardcover
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 16, 2026
Here's a confession: I picked up Joseph Moore's How to Get Rich in American History expecting a little Benjamin Franklin as Poor Richard, nagging about saving, and probably some shaming for my delight in lattes and sushi. Instead, I kept reading all day while I was supposed to be grading, laughed out loud several times, and gingerly checked my 403 (b) statement yet again. He won my attention—and I started thinking seriously about my investment strategy.
Moore is a historian who actually made money trying out all kinds of investment options, and then compares them to what has worked for Americans for over three hundred years. He survived some spectacular failures, slept on some couches, and in the end, he made plenty of money. The book skips easily from the founding era to TikTok finance gurus. It is model of using research to inform, not overwhelm. The revelation that Abigail Adams achieved a lifetime investment return nearly matching Warren Buffett's? Chef’s kiss. The argument that debt-free, rugged-individualist America is basically a myth we invented? Convincing and yet gleeful. Take out some debt, try some things, and be optimistic. The American Dream is still alive.
What makes this book sing is Moore’s storytelling prowess. He never forgets he's telling a story. The history is the point, and the practical takeaways are smart things you can actually do. His overall point is always that Americans can get ahead and have long managed to do so. If you've ever suspected that everything your parents told you about money might be newer, weirder, and more contingent than it sounds, Moore is here to confirm your suspicions and give you something useful to do about it. Highly, enthusiastically recommended.
Moore is a historian who actually made money trying out all kinds of investment options, and then compares them to what has worked for Americans for over three hundred years. He survived some spectacular failures, slept on some couches, and in the end, he made plenty of money. The book skips easily from the founding era to TikTok finance gurus. It is model of using research to inform, not overwhelm. The revelation that Abigail Adams achieved a lifetime investment return nearly matching Warren Buffett's? Chef’s kiss. The argument that debt-free, rugged-individualist America is basically a myth we invented? Convincing and yet gleeful. Take out some debt, try some things, and be optimistic. The American Dream is still alive.
What makes this book sing is Moore’s storytelling prowess. He never forgets he's telling a story. The history is the point, and the practical takeaways are smart things you can actually do. His overall point is always that Americans can get ahead and have long managed to do so. If you've ever suspected that everything your parents told you about money might be newer, weirder, and more contingent than it sounds, Moore is here to confirm your suspicions and give you something useful to do about it. Highly, enthusiastically recommended.
May 13, 2026
Very well written book and a great read. One of my favorite books I have read.
May 13, 2026
Financial history has never been more interesting or funnier!
May 18, 2026
This book grew with me as I continued to get through the quick chapters. I relish history and appreciate reading about personal finances, so my expectations of this book was high, but it never got there. The book did vastly improve as I passed by about half of the book.
There is some history that hit home but was important to include in such a book like how trading stocks became increasingly easier and less expensive as we got beyond the 1990’s. The author speaks about how E*TRADE offered a $14.95 fee then later competition eliminated the fee. He then goes on about how stock ownership shot up, although mostly in 401(k)’s. – and so many people have no idea how they invest.
Repeatedly throughout the book he speaks to how more recent creations, like AIRBNB were similar to immigrants renting out a room to save more money. He also appropriately compared S&H Green Stamps to the credit-card awards offered today. It was fun to read about S&H Green Stamps since, as a 1960’s creation, I remember my mom saving those and other stamps and sending them in for goods. The author holds up immigrants in a positive manner, a nice reflection in these days when our country, built on immigrants, have leaders who often attack immigrants.
His discussion about budgets was both interesting history and could be helpful to people just now trying to figure out money management. Moore argues that simplicity is the answer to budgeting (something I agree with fully) and that “thrift is to wealth as lines are to roads.” The book argues against “debts of dumbness.” He gives good advice in saying, “Handling a budget is like making a bed. Skip it, and things get messy.” I also make my bed.
The portion where he speaks about the often-positive role of government was something I’ve rarely seen in a financial book. Moore highlighted how Jefferson’s Land Act of 1800 gave so many Americans a leg up – starting with the first land office opening in Chillicothe, Ohio (then the west, not the mid-west). He speaks forcefully about how the government developed infrastructure allowing people and products to take advantage of our large and expanding land with various efforts that improved life but financially failed; our government picked up the costs of canals, roads, and railroads that did not succeed but allowed so many individual Americans to succeed. He reports that in 1917, our country only paved 30,000 miles of roads and today offer 4 million paved roads. He also about our country’s many guardrails that protect us from trading stocks to using credit cards (He suggests that consumers should not thank the credit card company for reversing fraudulent charges since the government required that protection.) He speaks about how the GI bill allowed many to buy homes and GPS allows all of us to find our homes and other places. He also points out some areas where the government took actions, including ones involving race, that hurt us. While praising government’s involvement, he also cautions about making decisions only on government programs since they can be changed, as we have seen recently with abrupt change in direction.
His chapter on marriage and dual incomes was interesting, although he played down discrimination beyond what I thought was fair. Yet, his points that marriage can provide increased in quality of life beyond money and cautioning that spending one’s combined income may not be the best long-term plan, although one that most/many couples take. He also notes that far less people are getting married or partnering.
Moore also made a strong argument that today is the ‘good old days’ and that it was never easy but today are the easiest of all days. He makes a compelling argument that this is the case. He speaks about how people retired before 1940, when the first retiree received a Social Security check. The author highlights that people were often bored before when they retired but today, we benefit from the leisure industry. While many people have lost pension systems, he reminds us that pensions were at their height in the early 1980’s – with about 40% of workers covered by any pension system. Yet, he does not share the full story of those days. More people were married, more men owned jobs with pensions and, therefore, more of a couple’s income was captured in retirement with pensions. Further, he claims that “Social Security did not revolutionize retirement,” while it did. People retire earlier, even with longer life expediency. Retirees no longer need to rely on their children, as he noted was a previous method to retire. Without Social Security, an additional quarter of retirees would survive in poverty.
The author makes a good point about how some aspects of our lives are much easier today. He cites that in the 1870’s, half of America’s income was consumed on food and 15% went for clothing or material to make clothing, leaving 35% of one’s budget for a place to live, tuitions, savings, and all else. He also highlights that prior to Prohibition, Americans spent 4% of gross domestic product on liquor while we spend less than 1% today. The author points out that our power grid was only completed around 1950, just 75 years ago. Consider the quality of living electricity provides all of us. He uses washing machines as an example, saving 12 hours a week, 624 hours each year in productivity savings.
The book concludes with advice based on the rest of the book. Good advice, mostly common sense. Considering that most money books are designed for those starting out or trying to start over, this book is fine. Upon reflection, my issue is that the book speaks about history and the history this PhD author cites are especially designed to argue his points without the complexities that history always includes. Yet, I will give my hard copy of his book to one of my daughters who is focusing on her budget to bring together a stronger future so the book must have true value.
There is some history that hit home but was important to include in such a book like how trading stocks became increasingly easier and less expensive as we got beyond the 1990’s. The author speaks about how E*TRADE offered a $14.95 fee then later competition eliminated the fee. He then goes on about how stock ownership shot up, although mostly in 401(k)’s. – and so many people have no idea how they invest.
Repeatedly throughout the book he speaks to how more recent creations, like AIRBNB were similar to immigrants renting out a room to save more money. He also appropriately compared S&H Green Stamps to the credit-card awards offered today. It was fun to read about S&H Green Stamps since, as a 1960’s creation, I remember my mom saving those and other stamps and sending them in for goods. The author holds up immigrants in a positive manner, a nice reflection in these days when our country, built on immigrants, have leaders who often attack immigrants.
His discussion about budgets was both interesting history and could be helpful to people just now trying to figure out money management. Moore argues that simplicity is the answer to budgeting (something I agree with fully) and that “thrift is to wealth as lines are to roads.” The book argues against “debts of dumbness.” He gives good advice in saying, “Handling a budget is like making a bed. Skip it, and things get messy.” I also make my bed.
The portion where he speaks about the often-positive role of government was something I’ve rarely seen in a financial book. Moore highlighted how Jefferson’s Land Act of 1800 gave so many Americans a leg up – starting with the first land office opening in Chillicothe, Ohio (then the west, not the mid-west). He speaks forcefully about how the government developed infrastructure allowing people and products to take advantage of our large and expanding land with various efforts that improved life but financially failed; our government picked up the costs of canals, roads, and railroads that did not succeed but allowed so many individual Americans to succeed. He reports that in 1917, our country only paved 30,000 miles of roads and today offer 4 million paved roads. He also about our country’s many guardrails that protect us from trading stocks to using credit cards (He suggests that consumers should not thank the credit card company for reversing fraudulent charges since the government required that protection.) He speaks about how the GI bill allowed many to buy homes and GPS allows all of us to find our homes and other places. He also points out some areas where the government took actions, including ones involving race, that hurt us. While praising government’s involvement, he also cautions about making decisions only on government programs since they can be changed, as we have seen recently with abrupt change in direction.
His chapter on marriage and dual incomes was interesting, although he played down discrimination beyond what I thought was fair. Yet, his points that marriage can provide increased in quality of life beyond money and cautioning that spending one’s combined income may not be the best long-term plan, although one that most/many couples take. He also notes that far less people are getting married or partnering.
Moore also made a strong argument that today is the ‘good old days’ and that it was never easy but today are the easiest of all days. He makes a compelling argument that this is the case. He speaks about how people retired before 1940, when the first retiree received a Social Security check. The author highlights that people were often bored before when they retired but today, we benefit from the leisure industry. While many people have lost pension systems, he reminds us that pensions were at their height in the early 1980’s – with about 40% of workers covered by any pension system. Yet, he does not share the full story of those days. More people were married, more men owned jobs with pensions and, therefore, more of a couple’s income was captured in retirement with pensions. Further, he claims that “Social Security did not revolutionize retirement,” while it did. People retire earlier, even with longer life expediency. Retirees no longer need to rely on their children, as he noted was a previous method to retire. Without Social Security, an additional quarter of retirees would survive in poverty.
The author makes a good point about how some aspects of our lives are much easier today. He cites that in the 1870’s, half of America’s income was consumed on food and 15% went for clothing or material to make clothing, leaving 35% of one’s budget for a place to live, tuitions, savings, and all else. He also highlights that prior to Prohibition, Americans spent 4% of gross domestic product on liquor while we spend less than 1% today. The author points out that our power grid was only completed around 1950, just 75 years ago. Consider the quality of living electricity provides all of us. He uses washing machines as an example, saving 12 hours a week, 624 hours each year in productivity savings.
The book concludes with advice based on the rest of the book. Good advice, mostly common sense. Considering that most money books are designed for those starting out or trying to start over, this book is fine. Upon reflection, my issue is that the book speaks about history and the history this PhD author cites are especially designed to argue his points without the complexities that history always includes. Yet, I will give my hard copy of his book to one of my daughters who is focusing on her budget to bring together a stronger future so the book must have true value.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 22, 2026
To me, How to Get Rich in American History feels less like a traditional history book and more like a guided tour through generations of American ideas about building wealth. Joseph writes with a storyteller’s touch that reminded me of Bill Bryson—accessible, witty, and conversational in a way that makes financial history feel surprisingly approachable rather than dry or academic.
As the son of a single mother and the grandson of grandparents from rural Appalachia, I especially appreciated that Moore opens with stories from his own family history. That personal touch made the subject feel human right away rather than abstract. I also appreciated how much attention he gives to people who started with very little, because it keeps the book grounded and relatable. And as the father of an enterprising daughter in graduate school, I found his inclusion of women in financial history especially meaningful, since it gives the book a broader, richer perspective. Yes, she has a copy of the book as well!
One of the ideas that stayed with me most was the contrast between “fast time” and “slow time” in financial life. I thought that framework was especially effective because it shows why both patience and timing matter in building long-term success. Rather than encouraging readers to chase shortcuts or quick schemes, the book makes a strong case for learning from recurring patterns. By the end, I felt encouraged to re-examine my own current and future financial story, with a renewed sense that most people build wealth gradually through hard work and a determined spirit rather than capturing it in one dramatic moment.
I found the book full of eye-opening insights and practical takeaways, especially in the way it pushes back against the growing belief that the American Dream is completely out of reach. Joseph’s tone remains informative without feeling preachy (pun intended, IYKYK), which made the book even more enjoyable to read. Overall, I’d describe it as a thoughtful blend of history, storytelling, and practical perspective—one that I think will especially resonate with readers who appreciate big-picture context paired with usable insights.
Ponder that, if you will.
As the son of a single mother and the grandson of grandparents from rural Appalachia, I especially appreciated that Moore opens with stories from his own family history. That personal touch made the subject feel human right away rather than abstract. I also appreciated how much attention he gives to people who started with very little, because it keeps the book grounded and relatable. And as the father of an enterprising daughter in graduate school, I found his inclusion of women in financial history especially meaningful, since it gives the book a broader, richer perspective. Yes, she has a copy of the book as well!
One of the ideas that stayed with me most was the contrast between “fast time” and “slow time” in financial life. I thought that framework was especially effective because it shows why both patience and timing matter in building long-term success. Rather than encouraging readers to chase shortcuts or quick schemes, the book makes a strong case for learning from recurring patterns. By the end, I felt encouraged to re-examine my own current and future financial story, with a renewed sense that most people build wealth gradually through hard work and a determined spirit rather than capturing it in one dramatic moment.
I found the book full of eye-opening insights and practical takeaways, especially in the way it pushes back against the growing belief that the American Dream is completely out of reach. Joseph’s tone remains informative without feeling preachy (pun intended, IYKYK), which made the book even more enjoyable to read. Overall, I’d describe it as a thoughtful blend of history, storytelling, and practical perspective—one that I think will especially resonate with readers who appreciate big-picture context paired with usable insights.
Ponder that, if you will.
May 19, 2026
Joseph Moore’s *How to Get Rich in American History* was such an entertaining and surprisingly insightful read. Blending humor, history, and practical financial wisdom, Moore takes readers on a fascinating journey through centuries of American money-making advice — showing what worked, what failed, and why. The storytelling is engaging, the historical anecdotes are eye-opening, and the personal experiments woven throughout make the book feel fresh and relatable. Educational without ever feeling heavy, this was one of those books that was hard to put down. A smart, witty, and thoroughly enjoyable read that I would highly recommend.
May 13, 2026
This is an excellent book! The economic history of this country is not neat, tidy or predictable and Dr. Moore does outstanding work "setting the record straight." The examples cited from the past as well as the experiments he conducted are sometimes painful, sometimes hilarious and often very instructive. What surprised me most is the book reminded me that, while success is never easy or guaranteed, America still has the most opportunities for more people to Go Ahead!
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May 20, 2026O
June 7, 2026
One of the best books on financial literacy I have read. Entertaining as well as informative. Should be required reading.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews