Skip to content

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics Hardcover - 2007

by William Bonner; Lila Rajiva

Bonner and Rajiva use literary economics to offer broad insights into mass behavior and its devastating effects on society. To understand such behavior, the authors weave a light-hearted journey through history, politics, and finance to show group mentality at work in an improbable array of instances.


From the publisher

An insightful look at how to succeed by going against the crowd

Collectively, people think and act in ways that are different from how they think and act as individuals. Understanding these differences, says William (Bill) Bonner-a longtime maverick observer of the financial world and the vagaries of the investing public-is vital to preserving your wealth and personal dignity. From the witch-hunts of the early modern world to the war on terror, from dot-com mania to the real estate bubble, people have always been caught up in frauds, conceits, and wild guesses-often with devastating results. In Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets, Bonner and coauthor Lila Rajiva show groupthink at work in an improbable array of instances throughout history and reveal why swimming against the current pays.

  • Shares the deeper secrets of investing and pushes you to question what this means for your financial well-being
  • Explains why people so often abandon good sense and good behavior to "follow the crowd"
  • Offers concrete advice on how you can avoid the "public spectacle" of modern finance

The authors' cautionary tale of bubble economies reveals how the gush of credit let loose by Alan Greenspan has wreaked havoc on our lives-but their thoughtful and always entertaining approach also offers some sound investing principles for avoiding the pitfalls of the public spectacle, thinking for yourself, and protecting your money, your sanity, and your soul.

From the rear cover

Praise for Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets

"This book strikes at the center of conventional wisdom. It is brilliant, deep, and fun to read."
--Nicholas Nassim Taleb, author of the legendary investment classic, Fooled by Randomness, and the recent bestseller on probability, The Black Swan

"As fun to read as it is thought-provoking and filled with fascinating insights into how the world really works. It will teach you a proper skepticism as to what we are told by the mainstream media."
--John Mauldin, President, Millennium Wave Advisors, LLC author of the New York Times bestsellers, Bull's Eye Investing and Just One Thing

"Learn about Fed bubbles and make Ben Bernanke unhappy: read this book."
--Lew Rockwell, President, the Ludwig von Mises Institute

"A cock-eyed, frolicking hell of a read."
--Dr. Mark Skousen, Professor of Economics and Editor, The Worldly Philosophers

"I laughed aloud, I learned, and I was even offended. Behind the crafty writing, the authors share the deeper secrets of investing and push us to question what we believe. 'Think for yourself!' this book screams."
--Steve Sjuggerud, Editor, True Wealth, one of the world's most widely read investment letters

"Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets is one of the funniest and most entertaining books I have ever read. A classic for the student of the current period in history. If I had to name just one book investors should read, this is the one I would select."
--Dr. Marc Faber, world-famous contrarian guru, author of the bestseller, Tomorrow's Gold, and Editor of the maverick Gloom Boom & Doom Report

"Entertainingly and irreverently investigates the 'do-gooders' and 'world-improvers' who stir up mass hysteria, unjustified wars, and financial crises, while at the same time it warns readers how to better protect themselves and their pocketbooks."
--Ron Paul, Congressman and Presidential candidate

From the jacket flap

Praise for Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets

"This book strikes at the center of conventional wisdom. It is brilliant, deep, and fun to read."
--Nicholas Nassim Taleb, author of the legendary investment classic, Fooled by Randomness, and the recent bestseller on probability, The Black Swan

"As fun to read as it is thought-provoking and filled with fascinating insights into how the world really works. It will teach you a proper skepticism as to what we are told by the mainstream media."
--John Mauldin, President, Millennium Wave Advisors, LLC author of the New York Times bestsellers, Bull's Eye Investing and Just One Thing

"Learn about Fed bubbles and make Ben Bernanke unhappy: read this book."
--Lew Rockwell, President, the Ludwig von Mises Institute

"A cock-eyed, frolicking hell of a read."
--Dr. Mark Skousen, Professor of Economics and Editor, The Worldly Philosophers

"I laughed aloud, I learned, and I was even offended. Behind the crafty writing, the authors share the deeper secrets of investing and push us to question what we believe. 'Think for yourself!' this book screams."
--Steve Sjuggerud, Editor, True Wealth, one of the world's most widely read investment letters

"Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets is one of the funniest and most entertaining books I have ever read. A classic for the student of the current period in history. If I had to name just one book investors should read, this is the one I would select."
--Dr. Marc Faber, world-famous contrarian guru, author of the bestseller, Tomorrow's Gold, and Editor of the maverick Gloom Boom & Doom Report

"Entertainingly and irreverently investigates the 'do-gooders' and 'world-improvers' who stir up mass hysteria, unjustified wars, and financial crises, while at the same time it warns readers how to better protect themselves and their pocketbooks."
--Ron Paul, Congressman and Presidential candidate

Details

  • Title Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics
  • Author William Bonner; Lila Rajiva
  • Binding Hardcover
  • Edition First Edition
  • Pages 432
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Wiley, Hoboken, N.J
  • Date 2007
  • Illustrated Yes
  • ISBN 9780470112328 / 0470112328
  • Weight 1.39 lbs (0.63 kg)
  • Dimensions 9.01 x 6.37 x 1.42 in (22.89 x 16.18 x 3.61 cm)
  • Library of Congress subjects Political corruption, Collective behavior
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 2007012349
  • Dewey Decimal Code 658.473

Media reviews

Citations

  • Reference and Research Bk News, 11/01/2007, Page 132

About the author

William (Bill) Bonner is President and CEO of Agora Inc., one of the world's largest financial newsletter companies (www.agorafinancial.com). He is the creator of the Daily Reckoning, a contrarian financial newsletter (www.dailyreckoning.com). Bonner is also the author, with Addison Wiggin, of the international bestsellers Financial Reckoning Day and Empire of Debt.

Lila Rajiva is a political journalist and the author of The Language of Empire, a groundbreaking study of the media coverage of the Abu Ghraib prison scandal. She is a contributing editor/writer at Agora Publishing Group and the creator of the blog, The Mind-Body Politic (www.lilarajiva.com).

Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Rajiva, Lila,Bonner, Will

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Chicago, Illinois, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€2.21
€2.83 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Wiley, 2007-08-31. Hardcover. Very Good. 1.5000 in x 9.1000 in x 6.2000 in.
Item Price
€2.21
€2.83 shipping to USA
Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Bonner, William

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Annandale, New Jersey, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€2.82
€3.77 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. Fast shipping and order satisfaction guaranteed. A portion of your purchase benefits Non-Profit Organizations, First Aid and Fire Stations!
Item Price
€2.82
€3.77 shipping to USA
Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Bonner, William

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Lynden, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€5.20
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. Book is in good condition and may contain underlining or highlighting and minimal wear. The book can also include library labels. May not contain miscellaneous items (toys, dvds, etc). We offer 100% money back guarantee and fast customer support.
Item Price
€5.20
FREE shipping to USA
Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Will Bonner; Lila Rajiva

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
3
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€5.75
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John, 2007. Hardcover. Very Good. May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
€5.75
FREE shipping to USA
Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Bonner, William; Rajiva, Lila

  • Used
  • Hardcover
Condition
Like New
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€5.75
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Wiley, 2007. Hardcover. Like New. Pages are clean and are not marred by notes or folds of any kind. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
€5.75
FREE shipping to USA
Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Will Bonner; Lila Rajiva

  • Used
  • very good
  • Hardcover
Condition
Used - Very Good
Binding
Hardcover
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€5.75
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John, 2007. Hardcover. Very Good. Disclaimer:Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
€5.75
FREE shipping to USA
Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets: Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Bonner, William

  • Used
Condition
UsedGood
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Interlochen, Michigan, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€6.09
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
UsedGood. The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact (including the dust cover, if applicable). Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials.
Item Price
€6.09
FREE shipping to USA
Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Rajiva, Lila, Bonner, William

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
3
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€6.43
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John. Used - Good. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
€6.43
FREE shipping to USA
Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Rajiva, Lila, Bonner, William

  • Used
Condition
Used - Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€6.43
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John. Used - Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in clean, average condition without any missing pages.
Item Price
€6.43
FREE shipping to USA
Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Mobs, Messiahs, and Markets : Surviving the Public Spectacle in Finance and Politics

by Rajiva, Lila, Bonner, William

  • Used
Condition
Used - Very Good
ISBN 10 / ISBN 13
9780470112328 / 0470112328
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Mishawaka, Indiana, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
€6.43
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Wiley & Sons, Incorporated, John. Used - Very Good. Former library book; may include library markings. Used book that is in excellent condition. May show signs of wear or have minor defects.
Item Price
€6.43
FREE shipping to USA