1 / 3Barbarians at the Gate: Corporate Takeover Story, Reprint
Corporate Takeover Story: Barbarians at the Gate is a narrative account by Bryan Burrough and John Helyar of the 1988 fight to take over RJR Nabisco. This English-language reprint follows the dealmakers, bankers and company leadership through a major leveraged buyout and includes an anniversary afterword on the deal’s aftermath.
At a glance
- Covers the October and November 1988 contest for control of RJR Nabisco.
- Follows Ross Johnson, Henry Kravis, Ted Forstmann and other participants in the leveraged-buyout fight.
- The listing says an anniversary afterword traces the deal’s fallout and the later fortunes of people involved.
Reference price: $37.50
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Combines a specific corporate takeover story with context about 1980s Wall Street and dealmaking.
- Customer feedback describes the book as engaging and detailed, with perceived value for readers of business and financial history.
Cons
- The large cast and attention to personalities may take effort to follow, according to some customer feedback.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | Harper Business |
|---|---|
| Publication date | October 28, 2008 |
| Edition | Reprint |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 563 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0061655546 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0061655548 |
| Weight listed | 1.95 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 9.28 x 5.98 x 1.41 inches |
What to know before buying
- The listing describes the book as a detailed account of the RJR Nabisco takeover and its participants. Customer feedback is mixed on character depth, with some finding the many personalities and relationships difficult to keep track of.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in corporate takeovers, mergers and acquisitions, and leveraged buyouts.
- Students and readers exploring 1980s Wall Street or financial history.
- Buyers seeking narrative nonfiction about a real business dispute rather than a short practical guide.
Less suited to
- Readers looking for a concise reference or step-by-step guide to current dealmaking.
- Readers who prefer books with a small cast and limited character detail.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
74% 74% - 4 stars
21% 21% - 3 stars
5% 5% - 2 stars
0% 0% - 1 star
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Customer feedback highlights an engaging, thriller-like reading experience and detailed coverage of Wall Street maneuvering, with readers also valuing the story’s historical and educational context. That feedback fits the listing’s focus on a high-stakes takeover and its many participants. Reactions to the character detail are mixed, so readers who find large casts difficult may want to keep that in mind.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the book as entertaining and well-written.
- Feedback praises its detailed account and historical relevance.
- Some readers consider it useful for business study and financial history.
Mixed feedback
- Readers differ on the depth and treatment of the characters. Some appreciate the detail, while others find the cast difficult to follow.
Frequently asked questions
What event does Barbarians at the Gate cover?
It recounts the 1988 contest to take control of RJR Nabisco, including the role of leading takeover firms, company executives and financial advisers.
Is this edition presented as a practical guide to mergers and acquisitions?
No. The listing presents it as a researched narrative of a particular takeover and its people, not as a current instructional manual.
What should readers know about the book’s cast of characters?
Customer feedback praises the detailed account but reports mixed reactions to character depth. Some readers find the numerous personalities and relationships challenging to keep track of.
Does the listing mention an afterword?
Yes. It describes an anniversary afterword revisiting the people involved and tracing the deal’s fallout.
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