Conspiracy of Fools

A True Story

By: Kurt Eichenwald

Narrated by: Robertson Dean

Length: 30 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's summary

From an award-winning New York Times reporter comes the full, mind-boggling true story of the lies, crimes, and ineptitude behind the Enron scandal that imperiled a presidency, destroyed a marketplace, and changed Washington and Wall Street forever.

It was the corporate collapse that appeared to come out of nowhere. In late 2001, the Enron Corporation - a darling of the financial world, a company whose executives were friends of presidents and the powerful - imploded virtually overnight, leaving vast wreckage in its wake and sparking a criminal investigation that would last for years.

Kurt Eichenwald transforms the unbelievable story of the Enron scandal into a rip-roaring narrative of epic proportions, taking readers behind every closed door - from the Oval Office to the executive suites, from the highest reaches of the Justice Department to the homes and bedrooms of the top officers. It is a tale of global reach - from Houston to Washington, from Bombay to London, from Munich to Sao Paolo - laying out the unbelievable scenes that twisted together to create this shocking true story.

Eichenwald reveals never-disclosed details of a story that features a cast including George W. Bush, Dick Cheney, Paul O’Neill, Harvey Pitt, Colin Powell, Gray Davis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Alan Greenspan, Ken Lay, Andy Fastow, Jeff Skilling, Bill Clinton, Rupert Murdoch and Sumner Redstone. With its you-are-there glimpse into the secretive worlds of corporate power, Conspiracy of Fools is an all-true financial and political thriller of cinematic proportions.

©2005 Kurt Eichenwald (P)2005 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

• 2005 Audie Award Nominee, Nonfiction (Unabridged)

"As an unadorned attempt to get into the heads of some major manipulators, this book can hardly be bettered." (Publishers Weekly)

“The thriller of the year - and it’s all true!” (Dallas Morning News)

“Ranks with A Civil Action as one of the best nonfiction books of the last decade.” (New York Times Book Review)

"Conspiracy of Fools is a splendid achievement. Mr. Eichenwald has an encyclopedic grasp of a watershed business collapse, and has turned it into a gripping read, a true tale for our times." (The New York Times)

Unbiased and comprehensive

A very interesting, but sadly tragic story of greed and incompetence that ruined thousands of unwitting investors.

corporate finance 101

quite specific but if interested in the topic it's well written, clear and specific. the book reads\listens well and has a good pace.

Amazing listen

Despite knowing what happens I couldn’t stop listening. Excellent writing and performance. I strongly recommend.

well written, easily understandable

looked forward to hearing story, more like a novel, but factual, great explanations of accounting issues

Gripping account.. great listen.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

If you like financial scandals... it doesn't get any better or bigger. Presents details and insights that one probably hasn't heard before.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The scope of the incompetence.

Any additional comments?

This was one of the books that I absolutely could not stop listening to. The 30 hours flew by and I wanted more.

Read like a novel

I was riveted to the story and disgusted by the greed. The Enron story is not just a corporate cautionary tale, but a reminder to us all about personal integrity.

Eichenwald's meticulous reporting helped me understand the complexities of the Enron debacle andRobertson Dean was the perfect narrator.

Great Story

Great listen! Couldn't put it down, all 4 volumes and 30+ hours. I was sceptical however read like a story, felt close to the characters like no other non fiction. Movie "Smartest guys..." paled in comparison. Highly recommend especially if intrigued by the scandal. The narration was also exceptional and added to my enjoyment.

Brilliant Approach!

I loved the way this book was written. The author made me feel like I was getting the inside scoop on how this disaster unfolded. I enjoyed it so much, that I listened to the entire audio twice!! I want to find more from this writer!!

Spellbinding page turner of driven business people

A spellbinding and intriguing case study of an aggressive corporation—a corporation on steroids. This was a real page burner, very entertaining. I gained a greater understanding of the Enron culture and its demise. An extremely worthwhile book to read.

Remarkable

This is one of the most remarkable drama stories of our time. It should be REQUIRED READING for anyone attending school for their MBA or advance accounting courses. I have been sorely impressed with this detailed narration and attempt to get inside the heads of the corporate culture that expanded during the late 90's-- and ultimately burst. Headlines and sweeping generalities of the media claims during the Enron melt-down do not even scratch the surface of these events that began in 80's. If economics, investment, finance, accounting or a desire to really understand the Enron events are your pursuit, I strongly recommend putting the time aside to listen to this production.