The Greatest "Business & Money" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Business & Money

The "Business & Money" category of books encompasses a wide range of topics related to finance, economics, entrepreneurship, and management. These books provide insights and strategies for individuals and organizations to improve their financial well-being, grow their businesses, and achieve success in the competitive world of commerce. From personal finance and investing to marketing and leadership, the books in this category offer practical advice, case studies, and real-world examples to help readers navigate the complex landscape of business and money.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 26. The Economy of Cities by Jane Jacobs

    "The Economy of Cities" explores the concept of urbanization and its impact on economic development. The author argues that cities are the primary drivers of economic growth and innovation, challenging the traditional belief that rural agriculture is the foundation of economic development. The book delves into the history of city development, the role of cities in fostering innovation, and how urban economies evolve and adapt over time. It further discusses the importance of diversity and small-scale entrepreneurship in creating vibrant, sustainable cities.

  2. 27. Bureaucracy by Ludwig von Mises

    "Bureaucracy" is a critical examination of the structure and function of bureaucracies in both the public and private sectors. The author argues that bureaucratic management, with its focus on rules and regulations, is not only inefficient but also stifles innovation and individual initiative. He further contends that these problems are inherent in the nature of bureaucracy itself and are not simply due to poor management or corruption. The book also explores the impact of bureaucracy on economics, politics, and society as a whole.

  3. 28. The Good Society by Walter Lippmann

    "The Good Society" is a critical examination of the economic and political systems of the 20th century, with a focus on capitalism and socialism. The author argues that both systems have inherent flaws and suggests a third way, a form of democratic socialism, which would combine the best elements of both systems. The book offers a comprehensive analysis of the economic, social, and political structures of society, and presents a vision for a more equitable and just society.

  4. 29. The Back Room by Carmen Martín Gaite

    "The Back Room" is a surreal narrative that blurs the lines between reality and imagination. The story revolves around a female writer who is visited by a mysterious stranger in the middle of the night. The stranger triggers a series of memories and dreams, transporting her back to her childhood during the Spanish Civil War. As the protagonist delves deeper into her past, she begins to question the nature of her reality, resulting in a psychological exploration of memory, identity, and the power of storytelling.

  5. 30. The Way the World Works by Jude Wanniski

    "The Way the World Works" is an in-depth exploration of political economy, presenting an argument for supply-side economics. The author suggests that economic growth is primarily influenced by the reduction of barriers in production, including lower tax rates. The book presents historical examples to support this theory, arguing that government intervention often leads to economic instability. This text is considered a fundamental work in supply-side economics and has had a significant influence on economic policy discussions.

  6. 31. Wealth and Poverty by George Gilder

    "Wealth and Poverty" is an influential exploration of the economic and social theories that drive the wealth distribution in the United States. The book argues that supply-side economics and capitalism are the most effective systems for creating wealth and reducing poverty. It criticizes welfare programs and other forms of government intervention, asserting that they discourage individual initiative and are counterproductive in the long run. The book also discusses the moral and religious implications of wealth and poverty, emphasizing the importance of values such as discipline and the work ethic.

  7. 32. No Logo by Naomi Klein

    This book explores the negative effects of corporate branding and globalization. It critiques the marketing strategies of large corporations, arguing that they exploit workers and manipulate consumers. The author also discusses how these corporations have a significant influence on culture and public space. The book suggests that consumer activism and grassroots movements can serve as effective counter-forces to corporate power.

  8. 33. Religion And The Rise Of Capitalism by R. H. Tawney

    "Religion and the Rise of Capitalism" is a comprehensive exploration of the historical relationship between the development of capitalism and the evolution of religious thought, particularly Protestant Christianity. The author delves into the moral and ethical dimensions of capitalism, arguing that its growth was significantly influenced by certain religious ideas. The book also discusses how religious beliefs have shaped economic systems and societal norms, and how these, in turn, have impacted religion.

  9. 34. A Theory Of The Consumption Function by Milton Friedman

    This book presents a groundbreaking study of the consumption patterns of individuals and households. The author challenges the traditional Keynesian consumption function which posits that individuals and households adjust their consumption spending in response to changes in income. Instead, the author proposes the "Permanent Income Hypothesis," asserting that consumers' spending habits are determined not by current income but by their longer-term income expectations. This influential theory has had a significant impact on economic policy and remains a cornerstone of macroeconomic theory.

  10. 35. The Laws by Connie Palmen

    "The Laws" is a philosophical novel that follows the life of a young woman studying philosophy who becomes intrigued by the concept of laws, both societal and personal. Over the course of seven years, she engages in relationships with seven different men, each representing a different aspect of her studies including a priest, a physicist, an artist, a psychiatrist, a lawyer, a biologist, and a writer. Each relationship provides a new perspective on her quest to understand the laws of the universe and human nature.

  11. 36. Theory of Games and Economic Behavior by John Von Neumann

    This book is a groundbreaking work that applies mathematical methods to the study of economic behavior. It introduces the theory of games, a mathematical framework for analyzing conflict and cooperation between intelligent rational decision-makers, and its implications for economic behavior. The book covers topics such as zero-sum games, utility theory, and the minimax theorem, and it has had a profound impact on economics, political science, and other social sciences.

  12. 37. An Essay on the Principle of Population by Thomas Robert Malthus

    This influential work explores the theory that population growth will always tend to outrun the food supply and that betterment of humankind is impossible without strict limits on reproduction. The author argues that poverty, disease, and starvation are all necessary to keep societies from moving beyond their means of subsistence. The book's grim outlook and controversial theories have sparked significant debate and criticism since its publication.

  13. 38. The Engineering of Consent by Edward Bernays

    The book is an exploration of the theory and practice of public relations. It discusses how the manipulation of public opinion is an essential part of democracy. The author argues that professional public relations counsel, understanding the social science and psychology, can help to shape and sway public opinion. By using these techniques, the public can be led in a certain direction for the benefit of the client, whether that client is a business or a political candidate.

  14. 39. Fast Food Nation by Eric Schlosser

    This book is an in-depth exploration of the fast food industry in America, examining its history, business practices, and impact on society. The author investigates the industry's influence on America's economy, health, and culture, revealing disturbing facts about the production process, the exploitation of workers, and the health risks associated with fast food consumption. The book serves as a critique of the fast food industry and its detrimental effects on American society.

  15. 40. The House of Morgan by Ron Chernow

    "The House of Morgan" is a comprehensive history of the Morgan banking dynasty, tracing its origins from the 19th century to its present-day status. The book explores the family's influence on American and international finance, politics, and society, highlighting key figures and events. It provides an in-depth look at the workings of high finance and the power dynamics within the Morgan family, offering insights into the world of banking and the people who shaped it.

  16. 41. Grundrisse: Foundations of the Critique of Political Economy by Karl Marx

    This book is a thorough critique of capitalism as an economic system, providing a comprehensive analysis of its structure and consequences. The author delves into the nature of commodities, labor, money, and capital, and explores the complex relationships between these elements. The book also offers a critical examination of the capitalist mode of production, the division of labor, and the exploitation of the working class, arguing that these aspects of capitalism lead to social inequality and economic instability. The author advocates for a socialist system as a more equitable and sustainable alternative to capitalism.

  17. 42. Shadow & Claw by Gene Wolfe

    "Shadow & Claw" is a science fiction novel set in a distant future where the Earth's sun is dying out. The protagonist is a highly skilled torturer belonging to a guild, who is exiled for showing mercy to a prisoner. The narrative follows his journey through a world filled with strange creatures, ancient technologies, and complex political machinations. The protagonist, armed with a sword that can cut through any material, must navigate this world, dealing with love, loss, and betrayal, while also questioning the nature of his own reality.

  18. 43. The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism by Naomi Klein

    This book explores the concept of "disaster capitalism", the idea that global capitalism thrives on disaster and chaos. The author argues that free market policies are often pushed through while countries are reeling from wars, natural disasters, or economic crises. She provides a historical analysis of these events, from Chile in the 1970s, to Russia in the 1990s, to the war in Iraq, demonstrating how governments and corporations exploit these periods of shock to implement economic reforms that would otherwise be rejected.

  19. 44. Measuring the World by Daniel Kehlmann

    "Measuring the World" is a historical novel that reimagines the lives of two brilliant and driven men, German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss and German geographer Alexander von Humboldt. The narrative alternates between the two protagonists, exploring their individual quests to quantify and understand the world. Gauss, a child prodigy from a poor family, rises to become one of the greatest mathematicians in history, while Humboldt, a wealthy and ambitious explorer, embarks on a five-year journey across South America. Their paths converge in a humorous and touching manner, highlighting the contrast between their approaches to knowledge and discovery.

  20. 45. London Labour and the London Poor by Henry Mayhew

    This book provides a comprehensive look into the lives of the working poor in 19th century London. The author offers an in-depth analysis of the socio-economic conditions of the time, detailing the struggles and hardships faced by the city's lower classes. The book includes interviews with a wide range of people, from street-sellers and chimney sweeps to beggars and thieves, offering a vivid and often grim picture of Victorian London. It is considered an important social document for its first-hand account of the realities of urban poverty.

  21. 46. The Economic Consequences of the Peace by John Maynard Keynes

    This book is a critique of the Treaty of Versailles, written by a British economist who was part of the British delegation to the peace conference. The author argues that the harsh reparations and economic measures imposed on Germany after World War I were unfair and would lead to economic instability and another war. He suggests that a more just and economically sound approach would have been to rebuild Germany and integrate it into the global economy, rather than punishing it.

  22. 47. The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power by Daniel Yergin

    "The Prize: The Epic Quest for Oil, Money, and Power" is a comprehensive history of the global oil industry, tracing its development from the drilling of the first well in Pennsylvania to the oil crisis of the 1970s and its aftermath. The book examines the key players, political conflicts, and technological advancements that have shaped the industry, and explores the profound impact of oil on the global economy and geopolitics. It also discusses the environmental and social challenges associated with oil production and consumption.

  23. 48. Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty

    This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of capital accumulation and distribution over the last few centuries. The author argues that the rate of capital return in developed countries is persistently greater than the rate of economic growth, leading to high levels of wealth inequality. The book further suggests that the level of income inequality is not primarily a result of differences in individual labor income but rather the result of differences in capital ownership and the income derived from it. The author proposes a global tax on wealth to prevent soaring inequality.

  24. 49. The Theory of Economic Development: An Inquiry into Profits, Capital, Credit, Interest, and the Business Cycle by Joseph A. Schumpeter

    This book presents a detailed analysis of the mechanisms of economic development, focusing on aspects such as profits, capital, credit, interest, and the business cycle. The author argues that economic development is driven by innovative entrepreneurs who disrupt the status quo, creating new goods and methods of production. He highlights the role of credit in facilitating these innovations, and examines the cyclical nature of economic development. The book also explores the societal and political implications of this process of 'creative destruction'.

  25. 50. Why the West Rules - For Now: The Patterns of History, and What They Reveal About the Future by Ian Morris

    This book is a comprehensive exploration of the historical and cultural patterns that have led to Western dominance in the world. The author uses a broad range of evidence from archaeology, genetics, and linguistics to trace the development of East and West from prehistoric times to the present, arguing that physical geography, rather than culture, religion, or great men, is the primary driving force behind the rise of the West. The book also offers a forecast for the future, predicting a shift in global power from the West to the East.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download