Corporate-finance

This book came close to my expectations, but it didn't quite meet them. Nevertheless, its a great way to learn some of the corporate lingo that people use these days. Its pretty amusing, but I was hoping for better explanations and history behind the phrases. Idiom books are pretty good too.

All in all, its a fun book. It's a good deal for the price.

I was a student of Col. Allard at Gerogetown University. In his class, Technology and National Security, one of his most important lessons was the continuing way in which the offense is guaranteed to adapt to whatever defense you can mount. And vice versa... In his new book, Col. Allard takes such lessons, accumulated by milennia of warfare, and applies them to the modern business world. I recommend this book for anyone truly interested in implementing effective leadership and strategy in their organization.

Given the large number of business books it's surprising that so few have drawn out the similarities between business and war. Col. Allard's Business As War does an especially good job of making the comparison, and of noting the differences. It will be important for business readers especially because it focuses on the essential constants of war and business.

Paul Bracken
Professor of Management
Yale School of Management

It is so very refreshing to read a book that takes a critical look not only at business practices, but at business schools and business literature as well. Allard's basic thesis is that
character and systems matter. He rightly criticizes business schools for failing to instill values and ethics into its graduates. He also criticizes business books for easy, flashy solutions to what are really complex problems. Integrated systems, strategy, intelligence and ethical and moral leadership are what matters in Allard's universe. It is also a very well written (and entertaining) book. Read it if you are in business. Read it if you just want to understand how business should operate.

While the author did present good sound background and structure to understanding the angel financing market, I wish I had known beforehand that much of the information was based on experiences in Britain, not the U.S. I would not have purchased this book -- especially at its price. Many of the tables and references were in pounds, not dollars, and entities British, which required translation. I just couldn't relate beyond the basics. Sorry. Not my cup of tea!

F.Lee

This book illuminates the vital role played by Business Angels in today's venture capital markets. I think writing style is as important as content when you are addressing a professional audience. This book gets A+ on both counts. The Informal Venture Capital Market by Moore and Coveney should be required reading for entrepreneurs and private investors. William E. Wetzel, Jr. Director Emeritus Center for Venture Research University of New Hampshire