1929

Inside the Greatest Crash in Wall Street History--and How It Shattered a Nation

By: Andrew Ross Sorkin

Narrated by: Andrew Ross Sorkin

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

“It is one of the best narrative histories I’ve read.”
—The Wall Street Journal

A New York Times Notable Book of 2025 • One of Barack Obama's Favorite Books of 2025 • Named a BEST BOOK OF 2025 by The Washington Post, TIME, The Economist, Air Mail, Bloomberg, Fast Company, Katie Couric Media, and History

From the bestselling author of Too Big to Fail, “the definitive history of the 2008 banking crisis,” (The Atlantic) comes a riveting narrative of the most infamous stock market crash in history—one with ripple effects that still shape our society today.

In 1929, the world watched in shock as the unstoppable Wall Street bull market went into a freefall, wiping out fortunes and igniting a depression that would reshape a generation. But behind the flashing ticker tapes and panicked traders, another drama unfolded—one of visionaries and fraudsters, titans and dreamers, euphoria and ruin.

With unparalleled access to historical records and newly uncovered documents, New York Times bestselling author Andrew Ross Sorkin takes readers inside the chaos of the crash, behind the scenes of a raging battle between Wall Street and Washington and the larger-than-life characters whose ambition and naïveté in an endless boom led to disaster. The dizzying highs and brutal lows of this era eerily mirror today’s world—where markets soar, political tensions mount, and the fight over financial influence plays out once again.

This is not just a story about money. 1929 is a tale of power, psychology, and the seductive illusion that this time is different. It’s about disregarded alarm bells, financiers who fell from grace, and skeptics who saw the crash coming—only to be dismissed until it was too late.

Hailed as a landmark book, Too Big to Fail reimagined how financial crises are told. Now, with 1929, Sorkin delivers an immersive, electrifying account of the most pivotal market collapse of all time—with lessons that remain as urgent as ever. More than just a history, 1929 is a crucial blueprint for understanding the cycles of speculation, the forces that drive financial upheaval, and the warning signs we ignore at our peril.

Riveting Story of the Crash of 1929

The story kept me quite interested since it brought out the story of the people who were involved, leading up to, during and after the crash of 1929. I have a new perspective after listening to this book on the events of that time which can be a warning to be on alert today.

Ken Burns needs to turn this into one of his documentaries

Ken Burns needs to turn this into one of his documentaries. America needs to know our history to prevent repeating it.

An excellent book of history that also makes for a really good story

I like that the history was told in the form of a story that was easy to follow and easy to listen to. The fact that the author was also the narrator helped give meaning to the words and not just a simple reading.

Amazing history, applicable to the present day

Well written and paced, but the second part, what came after 1929, was even better than everything that led up to the crash. An insightful look at the boom and bust pressures that are inherent in Capitalism.
The author avoids pat judgments or blame. He ends with a plea for humility, and recognition that these forces are always going to be driving the business cycle. They can be expected and planned for, but can't totally be eliminated, either by regulation, or by denial.

It’s A Great Book

Really well done on a topic that could be dry with a different writer but really is a rich and interesting account of a time we’ve heard about but probably are not that familiar with.