"Adventure... intrigue... philosophy... politics... you'll find it all in this fast-paced novel from Doug Casey and John Hunt. Most important, you'll find thoughts -- the kind of thoughts that will make you think too." --Bill Bonner (Author ofEmpire of DebtandMobs, Messiahs, and Markets) what is the best book ever Speculator (High Ground) (Volume 1)
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. I really enjoyed reading this bookBy Robert Paul SpencerI really enjoyed reading this book. I like to think that I am an investor and certainly this book helps get you out of your ordinary life and gives you more of an idea of what the mindset for a speculator could be.The action and the morals that were applied to it were very consistent and the kind that should be applied more often in people's lives.In some ways this book is what I would hope a James Bond novel or movie was more like. This was definitely a page turner for me and I stayed up late more than once because I just didn't want to put the book down, particularly toward the end.I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series.41 of 43 people found the following review helpful. Doug Casey and John Hunt Strike Gold!By D. BuxmanSpeculator is, quite simply, the best novel that I have read in the past three years and deserves better than a 5 star rating. It is a nuanced adventure that will offer the reader unique insights into topics as diverse as geology, capitalism, colonialism, junior gold mining investment and anarcho-capitalism. This wonderful book presents a freedom-based political/economic philosophy that is every bit as compelling and profound as that of Ayn Rand, at a much faster pace and without the laborious monologues.I was lucky enough to purchase an advance copy of this book in July, and I pre-ordered the Kindle version so that I could make it a permanent part of my digital library, accessible to my college-aged kids for whom it is now required reading. Technical elements such as dialogue and character development are superb, and I can't wait to see how the heroes and villains develop in the planned sequels. Over two months after my first reading, I am still thinking about the themes that resonate throughout this book. I recommend it without reservation. Few novels have the potential to be life-changing vehicles, but this is one of them.2 of 2 people found the following review helpful. World upside down or on the mark?By StanI learned a lot about capitalism, investing, free enterprise, and doing your best to make a positive contribution to your community, society and the world. That last point probably wasn't specifically set forth in the book, but it is still an important aspect of the book. He describes it from two different angles: the positive, those trying to be productive, take care of themselves, and do positive things; the negative, those who are drawn to the power and false prestige of being a politician or a government bureaucrat and those looking to get ahead and take advantage of others by sidling up to the vain and egocentric politicians and bureaucrats to get special favors and treatment through the laws and regulations passed by them. The worst example of this in the story is absolutely disgusting. Sadly, I've seen people in similar positions that were every bit as disgusting.The premise of the book was interesting; the story was entertaining, but there were scenes, more graphic than I care for, that were intended to be titillating. So I don't highly recommend the book. If you don't mind or even like that type of thing, there is much that may be learned from Doug Casey. For many it will seem like Mr. Casey has turned the world upside down, but I think he got it pretty straight.