Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist

This illuminating biography reveals a man whose conscientiousness, integrity, and good humor exist alongside an odd emotional isolation. Buffett also masterfully traces his life: his enormously successful partnership; his early, inspired investments in American Express and Geico; his companionship and investment with Katharine Graham of the Washington Post; his role in the Capital Cities purchase of ABC; his unique relationship with his wife and mistress; and his rescue of the scandal-ridden Salomon Brothers.

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All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

English major lovin on Buffett, 2008-08-20
Read this because you want to know about the man and the method, not the money. I admire the billions of dollars that he's amassed on his own terms, but it's his history, relationships, and singular outlook on life that had me plowing through this tome like it was a short story. I am a reborn fan of biographies, and a new follower of financial books. I hope there are other books out there like this: clear, absorbing, and off-beat enough to make you laugh like a fool on a packed metro. I never dog-ear, but I had to all the way through this book for the stellar quotes dashed off here and there. One being, off the top of my head: "God sent me a blessed gift in the form of a Berkshire Hathaway Annual Report." AGH! And don't get me started on Mrs. B. Extremely worthwhile read.


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Excellent, 2008-05-24
Well researched, analyzed, and written.

I see why Buffett was silently acceptive in autographing it. Superb job in reporting both analytical economics and personal life. Truth.

I will read more from this author.


0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Warren Buffett until 1995, 2008-05-05
I gave this book 4 stars only because it was published in 1995, which is over a decade ago. It is a good source for background information about a corporate executive I respect--and there are few of those to be found. Buffett told the author he would nothing to help or hinder, and the journalistic quality and information is well-presented and -documented. A good place to learn more about the "Oracle of Omaha". I'd like to see Lowenstein do a follow-up covering the more recent years.


0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

Fascinating Biography, 2008-05-04
Before writing my impressions of this book, I think it is first important to identify the reviewer so others can see my perspective. I am a young graduate with limited to no investing experience. I became interest in Warren Buffett after reading a fair amount of articles on Buffett the person; his success in investing, his political views, his recent contribution to the Gates charity, and most importantly, his character. I became intrigued enough to inquire about the details of who this man is and his philosophy.

This was exactly what the book offered; it is a biography, not an investment guide. That said, it is not really possible to unlink Buffett the person and Buffett the investor. His core values are too in entwined for it to be anything other. Lowenstein does a great job of presenting information in terms that a layman like myself can understand (with some help from simple research) while still providing enough information to get the details about Buffett's investment strategies and core values.

I found the book to be both informative and enticing. It has instilled in me a great respect for the man, as well as an interest in becoming less of an investment layman. The book is a bit dated, now being about 13 years old, but after reading it, I find this point moot. Buffett's approach has been the same since he learned from Graham, just with more information and an increasing scope in which to apply his tactics.

In my opinion, Lowenstein did a fantastic job researching his subject matter. The book is ripe with references and further signs that he truly knows his subject. I also found little to no signs of a subjective approach in respect to either glorifying Buffett or demonizing him, as far as is humanly possible. Buffett's mistakes are presented as clearly as his amazing triumphs (and they are quite amazing). Lowenstein's approach is instead to provide as clear as possible a presentation of Buffett's character, which is again entwined with his (enormous) successes and (minor) setbacks.

Highly recommended for those interested in his character. Again, this book is a biography, not an investment guide, but it seems hard to separate the two in regards to Buffett.


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

The Best of Buffett-Great Book, 2008-04-15
Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist by Lowenstein is one of the most delightful books I have ever read. It was difficult to put this book down. If you enjoy an enterprising adventure, you'll love this one. More than investment epic biography; it is an exciting light fun read. There are tidbits of investing genius around every corner. My connection came when I learned how enterprising Warren was even as a young boy and then it gets better and better. Our investment club, also selected this book to study in 2008 and it has been exceeding expectations. It is one of several books I have read on the topic of Warren Buffett and it is by-far-and-away, the best. This is one you will want to keep for your collection and share with your kids, friends and family.

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