Blue Blood and Mutiny: The Fight for the Soul of Morgan Stanley (Hardcover)

~ (Author)
Key Phrases: advisory directors, private wealth management, first class way, Morgan Stanley, Dean Witter, Wall Street (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In March 2005 the business world woke up to an unprecedented full-page ad in the Wall Street Journal calling for the removal of Morgan Stanley's CEO. Less than four months later, a group of eight retired, multimillionaire executives had orchestrated a stunning revolt within the most prestigious and—until recently—most successful financial-services firm on Wall Street. Now acclaimed journalist and historian Patricia Beard brings together the entire behind-the-scenes story, exposing the tale that shook high finance. This riveting real-life thriller is a must-read book for anyone who wants to understand the past, present, and future of American business.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Patricia Beard is the author of After the Ball and hundreds of national magazine articles. She has been an editor at Elle, Town & Country, and Mirabella. Beard lives in upstate New York.

--This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 432 pages
• Publisher: William Morrow (September 18, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060881917
• ISBN-13: 978-0060881917
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #365,971 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars When class really counts, September 22, 2007

By	G. Ware Cornell Jr. "anotherlawyer" (Weston FL) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Morgan Stanley like many old-line firms lost its soul at the hands of a CEO who never understood the value of the real enterprise. Phil Purcell tried to take what worked at Dean Witter and impose it on Morgan Stanley a much different institution. In doing so he acquired all of the perks of modern chairmen-the pay, the G-Vs, the compliant board while his firm's performance was tanking.

Eight "advisory directors," retired and respected former partners, set out to rescue Morgan Stanley and restore its name and culture. Called the "Group of Eight" and sometimes the "Eight Grumpy Old Men" they take a stand for old-fashioned business values.

Blue Blood and Mutiny reads like a novel. And it delivers an important message to business-ethical behavior, hard work and understanding of business fundamentals are more important and more beneficial than the gimmick-riden pursuit of a higher bottom line. This real life story will be the textbook case study in value driven management.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great insight into the 'soul' of the Morgan Stanley culture, October 17, 2007

By	J. C. Pottinger (Austin,Tx) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excellent book. It's been a long time since I've had a book I could not put down. Thank goodness for the G-8 and the employees who stood their ground. John Mack is a true leader and will continue to lead Morgan Stanley into a league of its own. Well worth the read.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars blue blood and mutny, November 8, 2007

By	C. M. Berger "ketchup maven" (naples, fl) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Well written, and engrossing.
Very clear presentation of the issues involved and makes a convincing case that "the mutineers" were right, and Purcell had to be removed as CEO.