Keeping at It

The Quest for Sound Money and Good Government

By: Paul A. Volcker, Christine Harper

Narrated by: John Bedford Lloyd

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

The extraordinary life story of the former chairman of the Federal Reserve, whose absolute integrity provides the inspiration we need as our constitutional system and political tradition are being tested to the breaking point.

As chairman of the Federal Reserve (1979-1987), Paul Volcker slayed the inflation dragon that was consuming the American economy and restored the world's faith in central bankers. That extraordinary feat was just one pivotal episode in a decades-long career serving six presidents.

Told with wit, humor, and down-to-earth erudition, the narrative of Volcker's career illuminates the changes that have taken place in American life, government, and the economy since World War II. He vibrantly illustrates the crises he managed alongside the world's leading politicians, central bankers, and financiers. Yet he first found his model for competent and ethical governance in his father, the town manager of Teaneck, NJ, who instilled Volcker's dedication to absolute integrity and his "three verities" of stable prices, sound finance, and good government.

©2018 Paul Volcker and Christine Harper (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"Never has a message like Paul Volcker's been more important. At a time of deep divisions in this country, his courageous fight for America's financial and economic stability - under six different US presidents - provide a model that should unite us all." (Former president Jimmy Carter)

"Paul Volcker is an American hero who has seen more and done more to shape the world economy than anyone else over the last 50 years. His memoir Keeping at It is a must read." (Ray Dalio, founder of Bridgewater Associates and author of Principles)

"Keeping at It is a delight to read. It is the story of the long and distinguished banking career of the remarkable Paul Volcker, who has dedicated his entire adult life to building a sound central banking system for the United States and beyond. When this pillar of wisdom and integrity tells us that effective governance in the US is broken, we must listen. And those of us who care about America's future must answer Paul's call to do whatever it takes to fix it." (John C. Bogle, founder of The Vanguard Group)

Wow! This Was Just What I Needed.

This book is like a course in economics from the basic to the world level. I read the House of Morgan and got a historical world overview of banking and this book added so much flavor to that foundation. To hear the history of Paul Volcker and all the many accomplishments far beyond the Fed Chair just reminds me of how much we don't know about other people in general, and all the ways that they interact in the world and how all those things find ways of interacting through each of us. I am so grateful to have listened to this audiobook and delighted in the voice and cadence of the narrator, John Bedford Lloyd.

This book is one that was hard to pause. I wanted to go through to the end and then wanted more. Thank you to all involved in this great work. Excellent book.

Engaging

I remember watching Paul Volcker on T. V. during the seventies when he was Chairman of the Federal Reserve. He stood 6’7” and towered above everyone. This book is Volcker’s memoir. He stated he never planned on writing a memoir but recent changes in society and government have triggered him to do so.

The book is well written and researched. Volcker states he wants people to understand why and how The Volcker Rule, which is part of the Dodd-Frank regulatory legislation, came about to protect the public. As most readers are aware, the regulation has been continually chipped away at. Volcker is apolitical and has served every administration since Eisenhower.

I particularly enjoyed his comments about the Schools such as the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard and the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton. Volcker has dedicated his life to public service. I found the book interesting not only about his life but also his insights into our current monetary situation. I enjoyed this book and learned a great deal.

The book is ten hours six minutes. John Bedford Lloyd does a good job narrating the book. Lloyd is an actor and has won several Earphone Awards for audiobook narration. I noted that Lloyd is 6’5’’ inches tall. It caught my eye as Volcker is 6’7”.

Inside the mind of a narcissist

Volcker is an absolute narcissist who believes he and other big government goons know what's best for society and anyone who dare question them is foolish. Time and time again, he and his cohorts put forth bad monetary policy, debase our currency, watch the system xollapse, blame us, rinse and repeat. He is an absolute narcissist and the best part about it is that his time is over. Buy gold. Buy silver. Hold on and get ready for Volcker's real legacy.

Super Interesting

A clear examination of Paul Volcker's life and career. Worth a listen if you are student of financial learning. Also, a very fascinating biography.

interesting, but a little over my head.

The first part of book, sounds a bit entitled to hear about his very privileged life. Second half has lots of economic detail that gives some insight into the workings of monetary policy. Overall, a little difficult to understand for someone without an economics background, but still interesting.

nice

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b

Simply excellent, through and through

This is a really fantastic memoir. It offers sage career advice that feels really relevant both as I reflect on my own career thus far as well as where I am going in the future. I have brought up examples from Mr. Volcker's story on multiple occasions discussing dilemmas in board leadership issues. It melds this with a fascinating look at how the financial culture of America has changed, as well as the bureaucratic culture, with the unexpected and delightful look at Mr. Volcker's father's career. And finally it is a wonderful perspective on modern economics both in the era in which Mr. Volcker famously slew the serpent of inflation and in the era since then (in which inflation is now rarely our problem, but we have new and just as challenging problems). The narration is also excellent. This is such an easy recommendation, especially for anyone who is already familiar with the history of the Fed, with monetary policy in the post-War era, and so on. This book delivers on every level.

Good listen

I wish he talked more about the 1982 bear market, and also more about fighting inflation.

Great listen

A great insider historical background on global economics. Was extremely useful for my graduate studies in public policy.

Excellent book

Volcker explains complex topics simply and conveys critically important information. it's amazing how much of monetary policy is still being understood and created.

my deepest salute!

a great story, a great man! a memoir that clears my confusions about misleading and wrong accusations on the Fed, and many more, learnt a ton!