The Intelligent Investor: The Definitive Book on Value Investing. A Book of Practical Counsel (Revised Edition)

I feel retarded reading this book.

Seriously, I know a good deal more than the average about the market...but I am not a savvy investor. I would not advise people like me to get too into this book. Maybe start with a Motley Fool book or Peter Lynch.

I really really enjoy the footnotes by Jason, and also the commentary in between chapters, it speaks in a much more reader friendly tone.

Obviously this is "The Book on Investing" so maybe I'll re-read it later in hopes of getting more out of it.

Graham's viewpoint is based on Amrican stock market, but very useful in emerging markets too. Though rarely heard in Taiwan, Mr. Graham has inspired me in making smart investment in the local stock market. I, for the last two years, have been going over this book and surprisingly find how insightful Graham are in looking at the basic human nature in the market. Attitude, rather than the principles of choosing stocks, is what I think Graham contribute to me in making my own investment. My incestment is growing, no matter how hard the time has been. Fear for the inexplicable stock market is the core of this book and is the most precious part. Ch.8 and Ch20, as Warren Buffett recommended, are those most worthy of reading, and they make me and my portfolio stronger every day, even in bear market. Discussions on mutual fund (CH9) keeps me away from losing money. Principles on how to choose stocks generate real money for me. I am not reading this book to be second Warren, I am reading it to be a rich long-term investor, which I am now feeling more possible than before I read it.

This book has always been hailed for its breakdown of technical financial terms and investing for the layman. If you are new to investments and know nothing at all you should just buy a book for "Dummies". If you do have some experiance and need guidance: Buy this book! This is really the only book on investing you should own. It's principles will last forever. It's All About Value, Baby!

Benjamin is a great philosopher of stock market rather than a normal technician. After so many years passed, you just how his ideas are proving to be accurate, yet.
The only thing that he was wrong about, was commodities. He didn't believe it but time has proved that it's a safe haven for cash through many years.
The commentary given after each chapter is also helpful as sometimes it's a little hard to understand Benjamin's literature.

I probably shouldn't weigh in quite yet since I'm only halfway through this big book, but even though I know next to nothing about the stockmarket, I find if I just go slowly, read a section at a time, I'm getting it. Also, Jason Zweig's commentaries on each chapter and his annotations are extremely helpful. If you really want to invest in the market, I think this book is a must read even if you hire a firm to do it for you.