George Clason's book "The Richest Man in Babylon" should be read by all investors. First published in 1926, the book is a classic, and reminds us that the path to riches is based on some very basic but sound principles rather than on the "New, New Thing" (as Michael Lewis chronicles) or the latest hot stock or industry sector (for example technology, commodities, or housing). The prose can be a bit archaic, partly by design as the parables are set in Babylonian times, and partly because it was written almost a century ago. That a book this old still offers sound guidance is in fact one of the important lessons - lessons that should be especially relevant to today's stock market investors, real estate speculators and those financing their lifestyles through home equity lines of credit. Clason's wisdom is encapsulated in seven lessons: start thy purse to fattening; control thy expenditures; make thy gold multiply; guard thy treasures from loss; make thy dwelling a profitable investment; insure a future income; and increase thy ability to earn. Each lesson is covered through anecdotes and parables, and the book's short length makes it an easy read over one or two sittings. Others have provided similar guidance over the years, perhaps none so well as Canadian author David Chilton with his "Wealthy Barber" book. Chilton covers a broader range of topics (e.g. life insurance) over more pages and in a more contemporary fashion, but his basic message is still the same. Read this original book and be reminded that the true path to riches is within everyone's grasp. The path isn't found on-line in analysis of companies' regulatory filings, or by expanding one's credit lines, or through games of chance such as lotteries, ponies or casinos. This book deserves to be read as a reminder that others before us, both in Clason's time and in Babylonian times achieved success through hard work, spending less than they earned, and investing in themselves.

The richest man in babylon is a good read for anyone from an invdividual just starting to get their financial situation in order, and a good reminder for those who already know all the principles. Each story is different which keeps the book interesting all the way. A quick read...but an instant classic

This book does a great job of presenting information on how to better manage your finances. Instead of giving a hard boring lecture like university, it's methods are similar to those used for a bed time story; in short little stories that are easy to read.

This is the original book based on the original series of pamphlets handed out by financial institutions over half a century ago but is still as tried and true and example of literature today as it was then. This series helped in reaching out to millions during difficult financial times and gave to them an easily understood version of how money can work for you. The power of compound interest and within the pages of this realatively short book a reliable formula, which can easily be used today just as it could always be used in past, for becoming wealthy. How over time your assets can be used to procure other assets and how, when used wisely, your money can grow, from even the most modest of incomes, into a great fortune over time. This book even gives you knowledge and a formula you can use to get out of debt and start building your fortune even while you are paying your debts back. This book would be my first suggestion for people who are just becoming interested in becoming financially independant, those who are struggling through life and those who are over burdened with debt because it is an easy read and gives easy to understand lessons which can be implemented by even the most financially inept of persons. A great and classic book.

I wish I had read this book twenty years ago, but better late than never. It presents strategies for handling your finances in an entertaining fashion.Through the use of parables, it teaches the fundamentals of achieving financial freedom and security that were as prudent twenty-five hundred years ago as they are today. I would recommend it for anyone who wants to gain control of their financial affairs and thus , their lives.