Financier: The Biography of André Meyer: A Story of Money, Power, and the Reshaping of American Business

by Cary Reich

"A first-rate biography of an extraordinary man." --Andrew Tobias.
David Rockefeller once deemed André Meyer "the most creative financial genius of our time in the investment banking world." André Meyer was also known as "The Picasso of Banking" and "The Incomparable Investor," but probably his most notable achievement was his ability to completely and single-handedly revitalize American business after World War II. Cary Reich presents an illuminating portrait of this ferociously energetic, charming, and ruthless businessman who was a trusted advisor of the Kennedys and an intimate of William Paley and Katherine Graham. Reich goes into detail about Meyer's immigration from Nazi-occupied France, his prowess on the Monopoly board of business, and some of Meyer's lasting business legacies--now household names--including Avis and Holiday Inn.
* Includes a new foreword by Cary Reich.
Cary Reich (New York, New York) is the former executive editor of Institutional Investor. His most recent book, The Life of Nelson A. Rockefeller, was a finalist for the National Book Award. Mr. Reich is the recipient of numerous journalism awards, including the Overseas Press Award and the John Hancock Award for Excellence in Business and Financial Journalism.

Genres: Finance, Biography, Business

400 pages, Paperback

First published November 30, 1982

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book dragged on and on and on. It sounded like it should be interesting – it’s the story of the self-made financial genius Andre Meyer and how he fled the Nazis, rose from obscurity, advised the rich and famous, orchestrated enormous deals, and became a major player on Wall Street. Unfortunately it was written without any insight from Andre Meyer himself so it turned out to be a very dense book that’s full of minutiae of who did what when as it describes a guy who sounds like a jerk.

[Ulviyya Jafarli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Biography of a genious man in investment banking! This book demonstrate how a financial genious can turn a bad situatuon into a chance and become one of the most creative people in the banking sector. Politics, finance, strategy, the book include many good topics.

[Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

a fascinating inside story! A story of a brilliant mind and his companions!

[Alex Angeline · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book occasionally lingered too long on the lives of those around André Meyer, but it aptly captured his transformative impact on the world of risk capital and investment banking. Meyer was a relentless workhorse, thriving on discipline, ruthless judgment, and always being in the know. A pioneer in modern finance, his role as the architect behind some of the most iconic conglomerate deals of the post-war era highlights his creativity and deal-making brilliance. A worthwhile read for anyone interested in the origins of risk-capital and leveraged finance.