More Than a Numbers Game: A Brief History of Accounting (Wiley Finance)
by Thomas A. King
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Book Summary Information
Author: Thomas A. KingEdition: Hardcover
Audio: English (Original Language); German (Original Language); English (Unknown); English (Published)
Published: 2006-09-01
ISBN: 0470008733
Number of pages: 242
Publisher: Wiley
Book Reviews of More Than a Numbers Game: A Brief History of Accounting (Wiley Finance)
Book Review: A Terrific Resource, Though Not for Absolute Beginners
Summary: 5 Stars
For the right type of reader (e.g., me), "More Than a Numbers Game" is just what the doctor ordered. I know a little about accounting and the stock market, plus I learn things best when they are presented through a historical lens. This book suited my needs perfectly.
King's story is focused on accounting in the United States from the late 19th century to the present. Almost every chapter looks at one accounting issue (taxes, debt, stock options, etc.), explains why it poses a problem, and then traces the profession's response to it over time. The chapters are also arranged in a rough chronological order, in that issues that surfaced earlier in time are dealt with earlier in the book. The whole book thus builds toward a climax in the next-to-last chapter, where King lucidly discusses the accounting scandals of the early 2000s, the implosion of Arthur Andersen & Co. (where King once worked), and the adoption of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
I have learned a tremendous amount from this short book. The dust jacket includes a blurb from John Bogle (founder of Vanguard), in which he says, "No intelligent investor can afford to ignore this timely book." I agree entirely. However, if you're a complete beginner -- if, say, balance sheets and income statements are alien to you -- this book will probably be a little baffling. In that case, you should probably read an "Accounting for Dummies" sort of book before moving on to "More Than a Numbers Game."
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