Customer Reviews

Technical Analysis for the Rest of Us: What Every Investor Needs to Know to Increase Income, Minimize Risk, and Archieve Capital Gains

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

I first became familiar with Clifford Pistolese's work through reading his second book, "Using Technical Analysis." I was so impressed, that I obtained both his first book "Nerves of Steel" and now his most recent book and the subject of this review, "Technical Analysis for the Rest of Us." Cliff is unique among authors of technical analysis books, in that he not only talks the talk, but he walks the walk as well. His own successful, long-term investing career is based largely on the concepts he has so generously shared with readers over the years. In his most recent book, "Technical Analysis for the Rest of Us," Cliff takes his readers through the most important, foundational concepts of technical pattern recognition. He does this through the use of copious and clearly labeled charts, as well as plain-spoken and easy to understand language. Cliff really gets straight to the heart of the matter with his latest book, while avoiding the more estoeric, complex theories and techniques that are often found in many books written on the subject of technical analysis. "Technical Analysis for the Rest of Us" is a superb book for any investor seeking to take more control over his or her investments, through the application of time-tested rules of chart pattern interpretation. More experienced and advanced users of technical analysis may wish to pick up Cliff's second book as well, "Using Technical Analysis," which is one of the most clearly written and informative books ever written on the subject. Daniel L. Chesler, CMT, CTA -- [...]

Mr. Pistolese writes this book for the "average investor." I am a former stockbroker and have read many books related to the stock market. This is a very quick, easy read as one goes thru the book the first time in order to get a basic understanding of what the author is trying to convey. However, this book can serve as a resource reference for all of us who are passionate about investing in the market. It will never go out of "style." I frequently refer back to his principles when researching a stock I am considering for purchase.
Mr. Pistolese focuses, throughout the book, on various, basic chart patterns, and how these can be used to determine the probable direction and price move of the stocks we may be placing into our investment portfolio.
This book will assist every type of investor - the aggressive trader, the conservative long-range planner, as well as those of us who seek steady income from our investments.
Mr. Pistolese provides us with many graphs and charts - all of which are easily understood and interpreted via the author's very simplistic approach to technical analysis. He then, at the conclusion of each chapter, encourages us to complete "lessons" which serve to determine if we understood the material he presented - via review exercises.
He has truly thought of everything in his desire to help us to become better "money managers."

I had high hopes for this book even though its title steals the tag-line of a much better book, Technical Analysis for Dummies. Alas the concepts presented here are half-baked and incomplete. Many common TA concepts are barely mentioned. How to effectively use them is left out altogether. What really struck me is the wasted page space - literally squandering the paper. One example is the extensive reliance on oversimplified and over-inflated charts of the crudest, hand-sketched quality. There are also many pages containing only single sentences. These almost blank sheets are ostensibly given over for answers to self-test questions, where normally such answers would be collected in an appendix at the end of the book. Here the countless single-sentence answer-pages are meant solely to beef up the book's weight and thickness. The high frequency of self-tests makes them redundant repetitions of base spoon-feeding. I truly felt stupider and less prepared to trade after reading this book.

If you're a complete novice to Technical Analysis or of this is your first/second book on TA, you can give it a try. If you've already red several books on the subject you might as well skip this one.

This book isn't bad, but it contains nothing special. If you want to read a good, practical, comprehensive book on TA than go for a book from Alexander Elder or Marcel Link or Weinstein. Those books are a bit more expensive, but their well worth their money. I cannot say that from this book.

I think too many people are taking this book a little too seriously. For a $20, 200+ page book it is definitely not a definitive study of Technical Analysis but it is a good introduction on the basics for the beginner. Technical Analysis for Dummies is also a good intro, but this one gets right to the point and it can finished in one afternoon. For advanced study you can get Technical Analysis of the Financial Markets: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading Methods and Applications (New York Institute of Finance) by J. Murphy for $85.00 ($50+ on amazon), and Technical Analysis of Stock Trends by Edwards and Magee for $100. Both of which I recommend, after reading this one, so you are not reading those "blind". Should you read this book and keep it as a reference while you trade? No, read it and pass it on to a friend who also wants a basic intro to Technical Analysis. The only bad thing I could say about it is the shoddy, hand drawn charts, and it could have used a little more substance. I would have given it 3 and a half stars, if half stars were an option.
Well, I have some trades to make, thanks for reading.

I wrote detailed review explaining why you should not buy this lame book - AMAZON deleted it - now I know how I can trust so called "fair reviews"

This book is without merit as a source on technical analysis of securities. It is almost impossible to read on the Kindle owing to the many charts and diagrams that are separated from the related text.

Added 07/05/10: My opinion of Mr. Pistolese's book was unduly influenced by the technical limitations of the Kindle 1 (as it is now known). Having just reread it on the iPad version of the Kindle, on which the numerous charts are very clear and whole, his grade is raised to a B+. Still VERY basic content for those of us who want that, but overall a fine piece of work. My apologies to the author.

I have always favoured fundamentals until my buddy convinced me to try out technical analysis. Pistolese has written a good book and i feel it is great for a novice like me. Short questions and answers at end of each chapter serve to reinforce self-study. After this, i am itching to try out on the Malaysian equity market.

Very easy to understand, but it lacks depth to use as a real text book for trading. Martin Pring is a much better educator in this field.