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ASIN 067945618X UPC 9780679456186 My Vast Fortune: The Money Adventures of a Quixotic Capitalist Hardcover – September 16, 1997 by Andrew Tobias (Author) 3.6 out of 5 stars 13 ratings Editorial Reviews Amazon.com Review Financial journalist Andrew Tobias is so socially conscientious that he once mounted an antismoking campaign in Russia simply because it seemed like a good idea. He has likewise taken it upon himself to upgrade living conditions in south Florida, support auto insurance reform in California, and undertake other crusades that result from his lifelong internal conflict between capitalism and socialism. Tobias can take on such causes because he's made quite a bit of money through writing and investment. In My Vast Fortune: The Money Adventures of a Quixotic Capitalist, he humorously reveals the details without hesitating to note that the joke is often on him. From Library Journal Tobias (The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need, Harcourt, 1996) claims to have started his own personal fortune when his father gave him five dollars for his fifth birthday. Rather than a primer on personal finance, this is more a memoir with a number of financial stops along the way. Tobias recounts buying real estate in Florida that made him something of a slum lord. He tells us about a personal campaign against cigarette smoking in Russia that resulted in his buying time and appearing on Russian television. He describes an almost obsessive quest to reform auto insurance. His advice for beginning investors: "Largely it's a matter of adopting good spending and saving habits." He even titles a section of his book "Giving It Away," in which he talks about philanthropy. Tobias writes with wit, grace, and, at times, a wide-eyed wonderment that such good fortune could have come his way. Recommended for larger nonfiction collections in public libraries.-?Richard S. Drezen, Washington Post News Research Ctr., Washington, D.C.Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Kirkus Reviews This quirky combination of autobiography, politics, and investment advice leaves the impression that being (and becoming) wealthy is pretty interesting work. Tobias's (The Only Other Investment Guide You'll Ever Need, 1987, etc.) journey from prosperous childhood to extremely prosperous adulthood illustrates his basic financial advice: Hold sound investments for a long time and let appreciation and interest do their work; everything else is serendipity or stupidity. He is refreshingly honest about the role played by the former in the accumulation of his fortune, but the real focus of this volume is what he does with what he's accumulated. From a real-estate venture in a rundown Florida neighborhood to an anti-smoking campaign in Russia to a fight for no-fault auto insurance and tort reform in California, Tobias finds opportunities to do good with his money seemingly at random, then pursues them with abandon. The no-fault discussion (some would say obsession) cuts to the heart of his political message: Liberals should proudly embrace their bleeding hearts without developing jerking knees. In an ongoing battle with Ralph Nader and others, Tobias insists that the unlimited right to sue, adamantly defended by Naderites as the little man's ultimate protection against the powerful, actually benefits trial lawyers far more than the victims of accidents. Indeed, Tobias argues that removing exorbitant legal costs from the present system would allow more money to go to accident victims while also reducing insurance premiums. According to Tobias, Nader's opposition to tort reform doomed the no-fault initiative, for once the saint of consumerism pronounced it flawed, rational discussion among liberals was over. Although Tobias does maintain his considerable sense of humor throughout this section, the battle has obviously left a bitter taste in his mouth. Rarely is the adjective ``hilarious'' used to modify the noun ``capitalist,'' but here it is appropriate. Review what Tobias really means to do in My Vast Fortune, besides amuse us, is to instruct his readers on the care and feeding of their vast fortunes. Along the way, he warns what tax shelters to avoid ... defines the difference between a co-op and a condominium ... and advises how much to give away.... Tobias tickles both your sense of humor and your fancy. Yet you are inspired, upon closing the book, to rush out and save your money. -- The New York Times Book Review, Christopher Lehmann-HauptFrom the Publisher "This book will make you rich. Filthy stinking rich. You will never work again. You will spend the rest of your life on the Riviera sipping pina coladas and listening to Sinatra. And even if this doesn't happen, Andrew Tobias will provide you with such a wealth of wit that you will retire with a vast fortune of laughter."--Christopher Buckley, author of Wry Martinis and Thank You for Not Smoking "If you don't think finance, politics or real estate can be funny, read Andrew Tobias' book. He relates his experiences with incredible humor and insight. By laughing at his own foibles, smiling in the face of adversity, and never underestimating the value of a low bid, Andy perseveres against odds that most people wouldn't consider trying to beat."David Geffen, billionaire "No one is funnier, wiser, or more humane than Andrew Tobias, which is abundantly evident in My Vast Fortune. It's autobiography, self-help and entertainment all wrapped into one fast-paced, remarkably candid and heartfelt book. For anyone who hopes to not only get ahead but enjoy life to the fullest, this is essential reading."--James B. Stewart, author of Den of Thieves and Blood Sport From the Inside Flap ook will make you rich. Filthy stinking rich. You will never need to work again. You will spend the rest of your life on the Riviera sipping piña coladas and listening to Sinatra. And even if this doesn't happen, Andrew Tobias will provide you with such a wealth of wit that you will retire with a vast fortune of laughter. " --Christopher Buckley, author of Wry Martinis As Newsweek put it, "Andrew Tobias remains the funniest of the financial writers." Forbes identified him as "one of the financial community's most pithily perceptive observers." In My Vast Fortune, the bestselling author of The Only Investment Guide You'll Ever Need tells the amusing and illuminating story of how he amassed dizzying (well, to him) wealth. Then, he describes the unusual ways he's put it to work. Among his more famous money adventures are: His personal campaign against smoking in Russia, which began when he spotted an opportunity to buy cheap About the Author Andrew Tobias was born in New York, attended Harvard College and Harvard Business School, and has written extensively for twenty-five years on subjects relating to money, business, and personal finance. He has received both the Gerald Loeb Award for Distinguished Business and Financial Journalism and the Consumer Federation of America Media Service Award. He lives in Miami, New York, Read less Product details Publisher : Random House; 1st edition (September 16, 1997)Language : EnglishISBN-10 : 067945618XISBN-13 : 978-0679456186Item Weight : 1.05 pounds Dimensions : 6.5 x 1.25 x 10 inchesBest Sellers Rank: #4,631,889 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)#9,778 in Business Professional's BiographiesCustomer Reviews: 3.6 out of 5 stars 13 ratings |