Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk

by Peter L. Bernstein
Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Business and Economics
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Paperback • £18.00
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  • ID: 11084
  • Added: 2026-02-21
  • Updated: 2026-02-22
  • ISBN: 9780471121046
  • Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
  • Published: 1996-09-07
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Against the Gods delves into the pivotal role of risk in shaping modern society, tracing the evolution of risk management from ancient times to contemporary practices. Peter Bernstein's engaging narrative reveals how the tools of risk management have liberated humanity from the grip of superstition and fatalism, offering a fresh perspective on the uncertainties that define our lives. /n/n This book is not just a historical account but also a celebration of the intellectual adventure that has empowered us to confront and manage risk. Bernstein's exploration is both informative and entertaining, making complex concepts accessible and thought-provoking for readers.

Reviews
Shell Capital · 2024-09-07
brilliant 4.75

The book is described as a masterful blend of history, philosophy, mathematics, and economics. It offers a comprehensive history of probability and its impact on human decision-making.

The reviewer praised the book as a masterful blend of various disciplines, including history, philosophy, mathematics, and economics. They appreciated the comprehensive history of probability and its impact on human decision-making. The book's ability to make complex concepts accessible and engaging was particularly noted. The reviewer also highlighted the book's relevance to understanding modern financial practices and the role of risk management in human progress.

Quick quotes

    Peter L. Bernstein's 'Against the Gods: The Remarkable Story of Risk' is a masterful blend of history, philosophy, mathematics, and economics.

    It is a surprisingly recent history that has shaped our understanding of risk and probability.

    The book's relevance to understanding modern financial practices and the role of risk management in human progress.

Actuarial Eye · 2005-12-11
intriguing 4.00

The book provides a thorough and engaging history of risk management, making complex concepts accessible. It highlights the evolution of probability and its impact on modern finance.

The reviewer found the book to be a comprehensive and enjoyable exploration of the history of risk management. They appreciated how the author made complex mathematical and financial concepts understandable to a broader audience. The book's focus on the development of probability theory and its practical applications in finance was particularly noteworthy. The reviewer also noted that the book's historical context added depth to the understanding of modern financial practices.

Quick quotes

    It is a book about the history of managing risk in a financial, quantitative sense.

    I had studied most of the material in college, but Bernstein's narrative brought it to life.

    The book's historical context added depth to the understanding of modern financial practices.

Boston Fed · 1997-03-03
excellent 4.50

The book is praised for its deep dive into the roots of modern finance and its interpretation of the history of financial science. It is seen as a significant contribution to the understanding of risk and probability.

The reviewer highly commended the book for its thorough exploration of the origins of modern finance. They noted that the author's interpretation of the history of financial science was both insightful and engaging. The book's focus on the development of risk management and probability theory was particularly appreciated. The reviewer also highlighted the book's ability to make complex concepts accessible to a wider audience, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in finance and economics.

Quick quotes

    It searches out the roots of modern finance and provides an interpretation of the history of that 'science.'

    Throughout, Bernstein's subtext is that the management of risk is a fundamental aspect of human progress.

    The book is a significant contribution to the understanding of risk and probability.

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