In this absorbing, smart, and accessible blend of economic and cultural history, Scott Nations, a longtime trader, financial engineer, and CNBC contributor, takes us on a journey through the five significant stock market crashes in the past century to reveal how they defined the United States today.

Arguing that the 1929 stock market crash was precipitated by rampant speculation in the stock market, Galbraith notes that the common denominator of all speculative episodes is the belief of participants that they can become rich without work. It was Galbraith's belief that a good knowledge of what happened in 1929 was the best safeguard against its recurrence.

Discover how the U.S. shifted from stable institutions to frictionless transactions. Nicholas Lemann traces this seismic change through three pivotal figures: Adolf Berle, who championed corporate stability; Michael Jensen, who prioritized shareholder value; and Reid Hoffman, who envisions a future of networks. 

Behind every meal is a story—some hilarious, some horrifying. Waiter Rant pulls back the curtain on restaurant life, exposing clueless customers, diva diners, and unexpected moments of kindness.