Den of thieves

“Den of Thieves” by James B. Stewart is a non-fiction book that takes readers through the complex world of insider trading on Wall Street in the 1980s. The book centers around the story of Ivan Boesky, a notorious investor who became the face of the insider trading scandals of the era.

The book is divided into three parts, each exploring a different aspect of the insider trading scandal. In the first part, Stewart introduces the reader to the world of Wall Street and how it operates. He explains how the trading of securities and stocks works, and how information is disseminated through various channels. This section also introduces the key players involved in the insider trading scandal, including Boesky and Michael Milken, a well-known junk bond trader.

The second part of the book focuses on the investigation into Boesky and the wider insider trading scandal. Stewart outlines the tactics used by the government in order to gather evidence and build a case against Boesky and others involved in the scandal. This section of the book is particularly interesting as it gives readers an inside look into how these investigations are conducted and how prosecutors work to prove their cases.

The final part of the book details the fallout from the scandal and the impact it had on Wall Street. Stewart explains how the scandal led to changes in regulations and laws that govern Wall Street, and how the culture of the financial industry shifted in the aftermath of the scandal.

Throughout the book, Stewart weaves together the various threads of the story in a compelling narrative that keeps the reader engaged. He offers insights into the psychology of those involved in the scandal, as well as the broader societal and economic forces that contributed to the rise of insider trading on Wall Street.

Overall, “Den of Thieves” is a fascinating look at a pivotal moment in the history of Wall Street. Stewart’s meticulous research and engaging writing style make the book an informative and enjoyable read for anyone interested in the world of finance and business.