Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk

"Ambitious and readable . . . an engaging introduction to the oddsmakers, whom Bernstein regards as true humanists helping to release mankind from the choke holds of superstition and fatalism."

—The New York Times

"An extraordinarily entertaining and informative book."

—The Wall Street Journal

"A lively panoramic book . . . Against the Gods sets up an ambitious premise and then delivers on it."

—Business Week

"Deserves to be, and surely will be, widely read."

—The Economist

"[A] challenging book, one that may change forever the way people think about the world."

—Worth

"No one else could have written a book of such central importance with so much charm and excitement."

—Robert Heilbroner author, The Worldly Philosophers

"With his wonderful knowledge of the history and current manifestations of risk, Peter Bernstein brings us Against the Gods. Nothing like it will come out of the financial world this year or ever. I speak carefully: no one should miss it."

—John Kenneth Galbraith Professor of Economics Emeritus, Harvard University

In this unique exploration of the role of risk in our society, Peter Bernstein argues that the notion of bringing risk under control is one of the central ideas that distinguishes modern times from the distant past. Against the Gods chronicles the remarkable intellectual adventure that liberated humanity from oracles and soothsayers by means of the powerful tools of risk management that are available to us today.

"An extremely readable history of risk."

—Barron's

"Fascinating . . . this challenging volume will help you understand the uncertainties that every investor must face." —Money

"A singular achievement." —Times Literary Supplement

"There's a growing market for savants who can render the recondite intelligibly—witness Stephen Jay Gould (natural history), Oliver Sacks (disease), Richard Dawkins (heredity), James Gleick (physics), Paul Krugman (economics)—and Bernstein would mingle well in their company." —The Australian

"The story of gold-in all its splendor and mythology, its fascination for individuals and nations alike.... Peter Bernstein is up to the challenge. His spritely exposition is a fine read even as it makes us think and reflect." -Paul A. Volcker, Former Chairman of the Federal Reserve

"...a fascinating story...wittily written and full of original insights.... Peter Bernstein has once more written a brilliant book, both highly instructive and entertaining." -Pierre Keller, Former Senior Partner, Lombard Odier & Cie, Geneva

"Hats off! We are in the presence of a master...to read with such delight...the astonishing width and depth of Bernstein's knowledge." -Roger G. Kennedy, Director Emeritus, National Museum of American History

"This book is a noble treatment of the most noble of elements. The Power of Gold is a brilliant and unexpected tale of three thousand years of a metal as virtual reality." -Steve Jones, author, Darwin's Ghost: The Origin of Species Updated

"Admirably written...a wonderfully interesting view-not alone of gold but of the greater economic history. Like other of his work, it is assured of a wide readership." -John Kenneth Galbraith, Professor of Economics Emeritus, Harvard University

"Ambitious and readable . . . an engaging introduction to the oddsmakers, whom Bernstein regards as true humanists helping to release mankind from the choke holds of superstition and fatalism." -The New York Times

"An extraordinarily entertaining and informative book." -The Wall Street Journal

"A lively panoramic book . . . Against the Gods sets up an ambitious premise and then delivers on it." -Business Week

"Deserves to be, and surely will be, widely read." -The Economist

"[A] challenging book, one that may change forever the way people think about the world." -Worth

"No one else could have written a book of such central importance with so much charm and excitement." -Robert Heilbroner author, The Worldly Philosophers

"With his wonderful knowledge of the history and current manifestations of risk, Peter Bernstein brings us Against the Gods. Nothing like it will come out of the financial world this year or ever. I speak carefully: no one should miss it." -John Kenneth Galbraith Professor of Economics Emeritus, Harvard University

In this unique exploration of the role of risk in our society, Peter Bernstein argues that the notion of bringing risk under control is one of the central ideas that distinguishes modern times from the distant past. Against the Gods chronicles the remarkable intellectual adventure that liberated humanity from oracles and soothsayers by means of the powerful tools of risk management that are available to us today.

"An extremely readable history of risk." -Barron's

"Fascinating . . . this challenging volume will help you understand the uncertainties that every investor must face." -Money

"A singular achievement." -Times Literary Supplement

"There's a growing market for savants who can render the recondite intelligibly-witness Stephen Jay Gould (natural history), Oliver Sacks (disease), Richard Dawkins (heredity), James Gleick (physics), Paul Krugman (economics)-and Bernstein would mingle well in their company." -The Australian

The Winds of the Greeks and the Role of the Dice.

As Easy As I, II, III.

1200-1700: A THOUSAND OUTSTANDING FACTS.

The Renaissance Gambler.

The French Connection.

The Remarkable Notions of the Remarkable Notions Man.

1700-1900: MEASUREMENT UNLIMITED.

Considering the Nature of Man.

The Search for Moral Certainty.

The Supreme Law of Unreason.

The Man with the Sprained Brain.

Peapods and Perils.

The Fabric of Felicity.

1900-1960: CLOUDS OF VAGUENESS AND THE DEMAND FOR PRECISION.

The Measure of Our Ignorance.

The Radically Distinct Notion.

The Man Who Counted Everything Except Calories.

The Strange Case of the Anonymous Stockbroker.

DEGREES OF BELIEF: EXPLORING UNCERTAINTY.

The Failure of Invariance.

The Theory Police.

The Fantastic System of Side Bets.

Awaiting The Wildness.

Notes.

Bibliography.

Indexes.