George Soros: An Illustrated Biography of the World's Most Powerful Investor

This book is a graphic depiction of the life of notorious speculator and political dilettante, George Soros. It describes how he rose from the depths of being a Nazi collaborator in Hungary during the Second World War, to breaking the Bank of England by relentlessly shorting the Pound Sterling and making a billion dollar profit in the process.The book also attempts to explain Soros' ridiculous investment philosophy, reflexivity, as detailed in his unreadable tome, "The Alchemy of Finance." This financial worldview begins with the premise that everyone's perception of the world is flawed and that our perceptions are affected by our actions in a reciprocal manner (so far, so good). Investment manias arise based upon incorrect perceptions of reality. When one notices that such a mania has developed, he or she should join the crowd, profiting upon the rally, and then take an opposite position when the futility of the trend's continuation becomes apparent. Soros claimed that he knew when to exit a trade because his back began hurting! However, if everyone's perceptions are flawed, our own perceptions are flawed too -- including those of Mr. Soros. How was Soros able to profit from this philosophy while suffering from the same flawed perceptions as eveyone else? Inside information! Soros was convicted of insider trading in France. Regardless of all the verbiage, insider trading must be entered into the calculus of Mr. Soros' real trading method.When Soros retired from the financial scene, he established the Soros Foundation to promote an international, open society and support many ultraliberal causes. However, the financial reporting of where and how the funds have been employed has been murky, at best. I suppose it's open society for all but the secretive Mr. Soros.This cartoon book is well done and makes for a quick, fun read about an irascible scoundrel -- our modern day Daniel Drew!

This book provides a short and simple overview of a legendary investor now more famous for his philanthropy than his investing.The biography covers the roots of Soros, from his humble start in Nazi dominated Europe. This drives his appreciation for Karl Popper's open society. After moving to the US, the book covers his rise to financial prominance as the man "who broke the pound." It concludes with his philanthropic views.The book should be taken for what it is - a great primer for a reader who wants an overview of the giant. It is not a complex biography, it is not a text on international investing, and it is not a detailed study of his philanthropy. That said, the book reaches it's humble goals in a very readable manner.

Easy to read ilustrated biography. It could go deeper in investment details. I personaly know his brother, Paul, therefore it was of great interest to read this biography.