The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing author: Benjamin Graham Jason Zweig rating: asin: 0060555661 binding: Paperback list price: CDN$ 21.50 CAD amazon price: CDN$ 15.70 CAD

Wow. The intelligent investor is without a doubt the best, most thorough, book on investing I have ever read.

Originally written in 1949, it has been updated countless times, and includes commentary by senior Money editor, Jason Zweig, tying in all Ben's teachings to the current times and chaos of the market.

The book was written by Benjamin Graham, who if you didn't know, literally taught Warren Buffet the skill of investing.

What is great about this book, is that it offers no guarantees or gimmicks at fast money, but overflows with the wisdom at the core of all good portfolio management.

The book makes an excellent distinction between an investor (someone who purchases part of a valuable business and holds it in order to make money) or a speculator (one who purchases stock for short term investments, betting on the volatility of the market in order to make money).

This book is large. Because it is the Bible of investing. However, don't be put off by its size. The dynamics between alternating between Graham and Zweig is great. Graham tends to be data-rich and numbers-heavy, where Zweig breaks down the teachings in layman's terms and makes it relevant to "today".

It covers alot of subjects such as portfolio policy, asset allocation, inflation, diversification, market fluctuation, dividends, and Graham's famous margin of safety. Through the book, there are key lessons that every investor really needs to know in order to be successful.

Before picking up this book (which you should), I would suggest having some knowledge of accounting terms prior to reading this book.