by Sheri J. Saplan (Get the Book)When Caplan (securities arbitrator, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority [FINRA], former VP, asst. general counsel, Goldman Sachs) couldn't find a book on the history of women in Wall Street and the financial world, she wrote one herself and presents the information here, chronologically from Colonial times to the present, through women's stories presented in a clear, readable format. Using humor and detail, the author offers up a glimpse of life when banks had "stocking rooms" and when Hetty Green (1834-1916) was nicknamed the Witch of Wall Street. While emphasizing the difficulties of women in a male-dominated business, the book is neither strident nor discordant. Caplan illustrates how repeatedly women in the financial world have stepped forward during the nation's time of need only to be marginalized when situations return to normal. The recent death of Muriel Siebert (1928-2013), the first woman to purchase a seat on the New York Stock Exchange, reminds us this is not ancient history but rather a contemporary narrative as women continue to search for equity in the world of finance. Verdict A great read for those interested in business, history, women's studies, and/or money. --Library Journal
