The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham
If the pain felt in the financial crisis is a cumulation of years of bad investing habits, as people chase ever higher returns, there is no better reminder to return to basics than this classic by the influential economist, first published in 1949. The fundamental tenet of the author's philosophy is not profit maximisation but loss minimisation. It is a book for investors, as opposed to speculators or day traders. It provides guidance for the layman in adoption and execution of long-term investment policy. Graham urges investors to use discipline, research and analysis to make sound investments. He also advocates that investors develop a rational plan for buying stocks and bonds.
1434 by Gavin Menzies
While not exactly an authoritative source on Chinese history, the author speculates that Chinese advances in science, art and technology provided the catalyst that started the European Renaissance. This should make interesting conversation for anyone interested in doing business or working in China. A former submarine commander in Britain's Royal Navy and an amateur historian, Menzies asserts that in 1434 a Chinese delegation had visited Italy, and that they had meetings with the Pope. He also believes that, while Greek and Roman ideals played a role, it was a transfer of Chinese intellectual capital during this visit that provided the spark that set off the Renaissance.