Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Buffettology is the first book from someone who, thanks to personal and professional access to Warren Buffett, has been uniquely positioned to learn from the master. Mary Buffett had the privilege -- during her twelve years as his daughter-in-law -- of sharing some of this very private genius's informal discussions of his investing philosophy, and now she shares some of her invaluable observations with us. This breakthrough book offers a full-blown explanation of how Buffett uses Business Perspective Investing as a wealth-building tool. His strategy is not so much to "pick stock" but to search for and invest in excellent companies whose intrinsic value and potential earnings he can reasonably predict through a series of steps we learn about throughout the book. Citing many fascinating case histories and examples, Buffettology shows us what kinds of companies Buffett looks for and why, and which he avoids and why. The authors show us the mathematical models and equations Buffett uses to determine the basic value and earnings potential of his final choices (and the right price to pay, for which he is willing to wait). We also learn how with the aid of an inexpensive, widely available handheld calculator, anyone can do similar equations. In addition to providing such in-depth analysis, this book offers two more firsts. One is a chapter on Buffett's rarely discussed and extremely successful arbitrage operations. The book gives us the arbitrage equation he uses to determine the positions he should take. The other is a comprehensive list and brief analysis of fifty-four companies in which Buffett has invested and the authors believe he continues to follow, many of which have never before been publicly identified as "Buffett companies."

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

For decades, Warren Buffet has been a nearly heroic figure of finance, whose strategy turned an initial $105,000 investment into a $16-billion fortune and whose publicly traded holding company, Berkshire-Hathaway, rose from a $450-per-share price in the 1980s to $36,000 in 1997. Here, Buffet's former daughter-in-law, a CEO of Superior Assembly, with a 30-year friend of the family, who is an Omaha portfolio analyst and lawyer, tells all. Buffet scorns speculative stock-market hype. He buys‘at a carefully researched favorable price‘a 100% or partial interest in companies having "intrinsic value" and a logical pattern of growth as a virtual consumer monopoly based on need (e.g., GE) or common acceptance (e.g., Coca-Cola) financed tax-free by undistributed earnings. Guidance is given here on researching a company's intrinsic value and management competence, making stock-price downturns into buying opportunities, taking account of inflation taxation considerations, and the tantalizing question of when to sell. Most interesting is the authors' closing rundown of "Warren's" specific holdings and how they grew. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Booklist Review

These days, when someone who has divorced a member of a high-profile family writes a book, one expects to see dirty linen aired. But Mary Buffett, who has been divorced from Warren Buffett's son Peter since 1993, lays bare, instead, her former father-in-law's investment "secrets." Warren Buffett is well known as one of the richest men in the U.S., and he is this country's only billionaire to have made all of his fortune through investing. Although taking advantage of the family name that she retained, Buffett does not resort to a tell-all, gossipy account. With Clark, who is described as a 30-year Buffett family friend and portfolio analyst, she provides a sophisticated look at Buffett's philosophy of value investing and describes the principles behind his strategy of investing from a business perspective. The coauthors also profile 54 of the companies included in Buffett's portfolio. Given past interest in anything to do with Buffett, this book will be popular. --David Rouse