How to Get Rich in American History: 300 Years of Financial Advice That Worked (& Didn’t)

“Getting ahead has never been easier than it is today,” contends historian and investor Moore (Founding Sins) in this sweeping history of financial advice in the U.S. Moore takes readers through case studies of financial success and failure, debunking commonly held beliefs and extrapolating lessons that can be applied now. Demonstrating that “the story of a cash-only, debt free, rugged-individualist America is entirely fictional,” he describes how Benjamin Franklin got his start in the printing business by going thoroughly into debt. Elsewhere, he demonstrates that supposedly new phenomena have historical precedents. Women, for example, have always been active investors; Abigail Adams, wife of the second U.S. president, began buying government bonds after the American Revolution and ultimately achieved a lifetime annualized return of 18%, almost equaling that of billionaire Warren Buffett. Moore’s historical survey, as well as stories of his own financial downfalls and hard-won triumphs, set the stage for a concise and practical concluding section featuring seven ideas that have failed historically and 25 that have, generally, succeeded. Among the refreshingly unequivocal advice on offer: “Never cosign a loan... ever!” and “Marriage matters, a lot. Make yours work.” Readers seeking a time-tested approach to financial well-being will find plenty to bank on here. (Apr.)