The Big Short by Michael Lewis

The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine

By Michael Lewis

The Story of the Crash Before It Was News

When the crash of the U.S. stock market became public knowledge in the fall of 2008, it was already old news. The Big Short is the definitive account of the build-up of the United States housing bubble during the 2000s, told through the eyes of the few who saw it coming.

The real story of the crash began in bizarre feeder markets where the sun doesn't shine and the SEC doesn't dare to tread: the bond and real estate derivative markets. Here, "geeks" invented impenetrable securities to profit from the misery of lower- and middle-class Americans who could not pay their debts. While the "smart people" on Wall Street were paralyzed by hope and fear, a handful of unlikely heroes saw the "Doomsday Machine" for what it was.

Michael Lewis creates a fresh, character-driven narrative brimming with indignation and dark humor. Proving yet again that he is the finest chronicler of our time, Lewis fashions a story as compelling and unusual as any of his earlier bestsellers—a fitting successor to the legendary Liar's Poker.

Who Readers Will Love This

• Finance Professionals: An essential case study on market mechanics, credit default swaps, and the risks of "impenetrable" securities.
• History & Economics Buffs: Those seeking an academically accurate yet accessible breakdown of the 2008 global financial crisis.
• Fans of Narrative Nonfiction: Readers who enjoy character-driven stories that read like high-stakes thrillers.

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