Richest Man in Babylon, George C. Clason.
Through clever fictional stories and characters, Clason reveals the simple secrets of personal wealth. This book’s protagonist sums up the most important advice in dealing with personal wealth, “A part of all you earn is yours to keep.” The greatest financial book ever written. I wished I had written it.

How to be Rich, J. Paul Getty.
The world’s first billionaire shares his success story, and advice on how to find success yourself. Principles of hard work and thrift, luck and instincts, “bargain-hunting” over “get-rich-quick” and more. His 12-page chapter on investing in the stock market is the best summary I’ve seen. It’s required reading in my investment class at Rollins College.

The Art of Contrary Thinking, Humphrey B. Neill.
The best book ever written on the philosophy of contrarian investing and contrarian thinking. Authored by the founder of this “art,” the book reveals the finer points of going against the crowd and predicting trends. “The public is right during the trend, but wrong at both ends!”

Start-up Entrepreneur, James R. Cook.
Jim Cook has done a great job in revealing the secrets of business and entrepreneurship, based on his own experience as owner/manager of a major precious metals firm in Minneapolis, still going after 20 years! His comments about dealing with the tax authorities and regulators, shifting demand, etc., are priceless.

Gold Mine, Diamond Hunters, and Dark of the Sun, Wilbur Smith.
My three favorite books by South African novelist Wilbur Smith, the stories are endlessly fascinating, with an inside glimpse into the exciting world of gold, diamonds and politics of Africa. Great books to take with you when you travel.

What Has Government Done to Our Money?, Murray Rothbard.
The most important, clearest book on the mystery of money, the gold standard and the inflation ever written. Absolutely a must-read for all students of investing and economics. It’s the free-market bible on money and inflation.

Planning for Freedom, Ludwig von Mises.
This latest fourth edition contains choice essays by the famed Ludwig von Mises, founder of the modern Austrian school of economics. Also includes the fascinating essay, “The Essential Mises,” by Murray Rothbard.

Economics in One Lesson, Henry Hazlitt.
H. L. Menken said that Henry Hazlitt was the only person he knew who could write clearly about economics. His little book is a gem. He explains the simple ‘one lesson’ in economics and applies it to numerous modern-day examples. I wished I had come up with this title.

For other recommendations from the Investment U Research team, visit investment books.