House of Cards: A Tale of Hubris and Wretched Excess on Wall Street

A gripping and meticulously researched account of the rise and fall of Lehman Brothers, one of the world's largest investment banks.

In this explosive exposé, William D. Cohan takes readers on a journey into the heart of Wall Street, where greed, hubris, and reckless risk-taking led to the collapse of one of the world's most powerful financial institutions.

A Cast of Characters Straight Out of a Greek Tragedy

At the center of the story is Richard Fuld, the charismatic and ruthless CEO of Lehman Brothers. Fuld, a self-made man from a modest background, rose through the ranks of Wall Street to become one of the most feared and respected figures in finance. But his ambition and arrogance would ultimately lead to his downfall.

Surrounding Fuld is a cast of characters who are equally complex and fascinating. There's Joe Gregory, the brilliant but troubled head of Lehman's mortgage business; Erin Callan, the ambitious and outspoken CFO; and Bart McDade, the hard-charging head of investment banking. These individuals, and many others, played key roles in the rise and fall of Lehman Brothers.

A Story of Greed, Hubris, and Reckless Risk-Taking

Cohan's narrative is a gripping tale of greed, hubris, and reckless risk-taking. He meticulously documents how Lehman Brothers, once a bastion of financial stability, became a house of cards built on a foundation of subprime mortgages and complex financial instruments.

The book is a fascinating look at the inner workings of Wall Street and the culture of risk-taking that led to the financial crisis of 2008. Cohan's writing is clear, concise, and engaging, and he does an excellent job of explaining complex financial concepts in a way that is easy to understand.

A Must-Read for Anyone Interested in Finance, Business, or the American Economy

House of Cards is a must-read for anyone interested in finance, business, or the American economy. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, hubris, and reckless risk-taking. It is also a fascinating look at one of the most important events in recent financial history.

Praise for House of Cards

"A gripping and meticulously researched account of the rise and fall of Lehman Brothers. Cohan's writing is clear, concise, and engaging, and he does an excellent job of explaining complex financial concepts in a way that is easy to understand." - The Wall Street Journal

"A must-read for anyone interested in finance, business, or the American economy. House of Cards is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, hubris, and reckless risk-taking." - The New York Times

"Cohan's book is a tour de force. It is a gripping narrative that is both informative and entertaining. A must-read for anyone who wants to understand the financial crisis of 2008." - The Economist