The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing

Good start for a new investor

I suppose it's dependent on the personal philosophy and nature of investors, but out of the highly recommend books on Amazon such as Common Stocks.., One up on Wall Street, Essays of Buffet, or A Random Walk..., the Intelligent Investor is probably my least favorite book.

I found the writing to be a bit obtuse. I think the reason many people found Graham's writing so clear is that in comparison to many business texts, it doesn't use fluffy business speak that's just too common. However, the writing is on the same level as reading an obscure manual on repairing televisions. It assumes a certain type of audience.

Undeniably, Graham's original examples are harder to relate to, because the mentioned companies don't have as much ring to them as say Zweig's examples. It's argued that the examples are timeless, so being outdated shouldn't matter. However, it's harder to see the timelessness if the reader can't relate to the companies. Zweig's commentary is very useful, because it takes an interpretive approach to modern examples helping to illustrate Graham's principles.

Despite my criticisms, I still have high respect for this book. Mr. Market, Margin of Safety, Intrinsic Value, Portfolio Allocation, and much more are lessons every reader should acquire from the book. Afterwards, the knowledge from such a text should help the reader develop a stronger investment strategy/philosophy.

Trust Score

5.6

User’s Review Ratings

Overall

Makes you think differently

This book definitely made me appreciate investing more. It's a good read because the author is Warren Buffet's mentor. You cannot go wrong with that!

Trust Score

3.1

User’s Review Ratings

Overall

A Bit obtuse

I suppose it's dependent on the personal philosophy and nature of investors, but out of the highly recommend books on Amazon such as Common Stocks.., One up on Wall Street, Essays of Buffet, or A Random Walk..., the Intelligent Investor is probably my least favorite book.

I found the writing to be a bit obtuse. I think the reason many people found Graham's writing so clear is that in comparison to many business texts, it doesn't use fluffy business speak that's just too common. However, the writing is on the same level as reading an obscure manual on repairing televisions. It assumes a certain type of audience.

Undeniably, Graham's original examples are harder to relate to, because the mentioned companies don't have as much ring to them as say Zweig's examples. It's argued that the examples are timeless, so being outdated shouldn't matter. However, it's harder to see the timelessness if the reader can't relate to the companies. Zweig's commentary is very useful, because it takes an interpretive approach to modern examples helping to illustrate Graham's principles.

Despite my criticisms, I still have high respect for this book. Mr. Market, Margin of Safety, Intrinsic Value, Portfolio Allocation, and much more are lessons every reader should acquire from the book. Afterwards, the knowledge from such a text should help the reader develop a stronger investment strategy/philosophy.

Trust Score

8.2

User’s Review Ratings

Overall

Makes one wiser!

After reading so doesn't make me a better investor but really hits the point about not getting drawn in too much emotionally.

Trust Score

3.5

User’s Review Ratings

Overall

Simply a classic

Written by Ben Graham, Warren Buffett's hero, this a classic read for anyone. While it may not be applicable to everyone, especially modern investors and traders, it is a good read everyone should be familiar with, as Ben Graham is considered to be the father of value investing. It emphasizes only investing in what you know, and to make sound investments that are fundamental bargains.

Trust Score

8.0

User’s Review Ratings

Overall

The best investment book ever written

Like his other classic, Security Analysis, coffee is definitely required. I prefer this over SA but both are incredible and worth the effort. The fact that this book is still so popular 70 odd years after it was first published is testament to the incredible insights that Graham gives us. He introduces you to the concept of Mr Market with his irrational short term investing behavior...behavior that you can profit from time and again if you know what an asset is truly worth and you give yourself a good margin of safety.

A must in your library...but don't leave it on the shelf!

Trust Score

8.8

User’s Review Ratings

Overall

Great book for beginners and value investors

This was the first book i ever read in the stock market. I read it when i was 14 and found it to be incredibly educational. Although i am by no means a value investor i found this books to be a great introduction to the stock market! Chapter 4 and 6 are the most important

Trust Score

5.0

User’s Review Ratings

Overall

A Top Rated Investing Book

"By far, the best book on investing ever written." - Warren E. Buffett, this book is a must read for all investors that really gets into the value of investing. This book provides tons of examples of what you should and shouldn’t do in the investing process. One of its major aspects is that any type of investor will benefit from it; it isn’t narrowed down to any specific type of investor. It was one of the first books on investing that I read which made it a tough read due to my lack of experience.

Trust Score

3.5

User’s Review Ratings

Overall

A great read for the average investor!

This book is a good read. The author emphasizes that it is difficult for anyone to predict the future value of securities so he tries to teach the reader how to prepare emotionally for what can happen in chaotic markets.

Trust Score

4.0

User’s Review Ratings

Overall

A little dry for my liking....

Big. Longwinded. Might have lots of good info, but needs to be more concise.

Trust Score

5.0

User’s Review Ratings

Overall