Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco

by Bryan Burrough, Bryan Burrough and John Helyar
Barbarians at the Gate: The Fall of RJR Nabisco cover
Good Books rating 4.12
Business and Economics
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4387
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780099545835
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

Barbarians at the Gate is a classic account of the defining takeover in Wall Street merger history. The book provides a detailed and gripping record of the frenzy that overtook Wall Street in the fall of 1988, offering a richly textured social history of wealth and power at the twilight of the Reagan era. It delves into the high-stakes world of corporate takeovers, revealing the strategies, personalities, and consequences of one of the most significant financial events of the time. The authors' vivid narrative captures the intensity and drama of the takeover, providing insights into the financial maneuvers and the human elements that drove the deal. It serves as both a historical document and a cautionary tale about the excesses of corporate ambition and the impact of financial decisions on society.

Reviews
Apple Books · 2026-02-21
riveting 4.50

This book is described as absolutely riveting, offering a deep dive into LBOs and the people behind them. It's a gripping read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

This book is often described as a page-turner, offering a deep dive into the world of leveraged buyouts and the personalities that drive them. Readers appreciate the book's ability to make complex financial concepts accessible and engaging. It's a gripping read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, offering a unique perspective on the corporate world. The book's narrative is so compelling that it's often recommended for its ability to bring to life the complexities of the business world.

Quick quotes

    Amazing book. Absolutely riveting. I learned so much about LBOs and the types of people behind them.

    I was on the edge of my seat at the end of each chapter.

    The book offers a deep dive into the world of leveraged buyouts and the personalities that drive them.

The Storygraph · 2026-02-06
awesome 4.50

This book vividly depicts the early stages of buyouts in the US and how greed played a significant role in the LBO of RJR Nabisco. It's an awesome read that offers a unique perspective on corporate America.

This book is celebrated for its vivid depiction of the early days of buyouts in the US. It delves into the role of greed in the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco, providing a captivating narrative that's both informative and entertaining. Readers appreciate the book's ability to bring to life the complexities of corporate America and the personalities that drive it. It's a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of the business world.

Quick quotes

    An awesome book which vividly depicts the early stage of Buyouts in the US and how greed took over everyone related to the LBO of RJR Nabisco.

    The book offers a unique perspective on corporate America, making it a captivating read.

    It's a must-read for anyone interested in the inner workings of the business world.

YABC · 2025-01-14
good 3.50

The book is enjoyable but can be challenging to follow due to the numerous characters and their similar traits. It's a fascinating look into the corporate world of the 1980s.

The reviewer enjoyed the book but found it challenging to keep track of all the characters, as many of them seemed similar in their greed and scheming. Despite this, the book provides a fascinating look into the corporate world of the 1980s. The reviewer appreciates the detailed account of the RJR Nabisco leveraged buyout and the insights into the minds of the key players. It's a book that offers a unique perspective on corporate America and Wall Street during a pivotal time in history.

Quick quotes

    Overall, I enjoyed reading the book. However, it wasn't easy to follow all the names.

    See, all these execs looked very similar: greedy and scheming.

    What I found most fascinating was that all these lords of finance - who we would expect to be rational and calculating - were driven by greed and ego.

Books and Notes · 2023-01-01
great 4.00

Despite the complex cast of characters, the book is engaging and well-written. The narrative is gripping and provides a deep dive into the corporate world.

The reviewer found the book to be quite engaging once they got used to the large cast of characters. The narrative is well-paced and provides a deep dive into the corporate world of the 1980s. The book is praised for its ability to make complex financial dealings understandable and compelling. The reviewer appreciates the detailed character analysis and the riveting account of the RJR Nabisco leveraged buyout. It's a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat, much like a thriller.

Quick quotes

    In spite of its not too small size, the book reads quite well, once you become acquainted with the vast cast of characters and with the minimum

    The story is described as a riveting account of an epic episode, and customers praise the well-written narrative and fascinating character analysis

    The Los Angeles Times calls Barbarians at the Gate, “Superlative.”

Appears in Lists