The real story of the crash began in bizarre feeder markets where the sun doesn"t shine and the SEC doesn"t dare, or bother, to tread: the bond and real estate derivative markets where geeks invent impenetrable securities to profit from the misery of lower--and middle--class Americans who can"t pay their debts. The smart people who understood what was or might be happening were paralyzed by hope and fear; in any case, they weren"t talking. Michael Lewis creates a fresh, character-driven narrative brimming with indignation and dark humor, a fitting sequel to his #1 bestseller Liar"s Poker. Out of a handful of unlikely--really unlikely--heroes, Lewis fashions a story as compelling and unusual as any of his earlier bestsellers, proving yet again that he is the finest and funniest chronicler of our time. The #1 New York Times bestseller: "It is the work of our greatest financial journalist, at the top of his game. And it"s essential reading."—Graydon Carter, Vanity Fair