Edwin Lefevre

Edwin Lefevre’s impact on the literary world is immense, and his body of work is respected and studied even a century after his passing. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1871, Lefevre attended public school in the city before studying at New York University and passing the New York Stock Exchange examination, enabling him to become a stockbroker for Dwight & Company, a position he held for a short period of time. Dabbling in the stock market, Lefevre decided thereafter to pursue a career in journalism, a move that would ultimately land him a role at the Wall Street Journal, where he would become one of the most respected and influential writers at the publication.

Lefevre was a prolific author, with notable works such as Wall Street Stories, Four American Sketches, and Bull's Eye Sketches. He is mostly known for his short stories, which included topics such as Wall Street life, financial success, and the characters who pursued such endeavors. His work was typically semi-autographical in nature, and many of his subjects were based on his own experiences or those of people he encountered in his time as a stockbroker.

His most famous work is Reminiscences of a Stock Operator, a novel published under the pen name of ‘Jesse Livermore’ in 1923. The book is often cited as one of the best and most important works in the fields of stock market literature, finance, and economics. The book follows the story of Livermore, whose journeys in the stock market are described in detail and serve as a cautionary tale of the dangers of excessive speculation. The book poignantly illustrates the difficulties associated with being in the stock market, and its insight into the tumultuous world of stock investing has led to it being one of the most widely read books on Wall Street.

Along with his expertise in writing about finance, Lefevre was also a gifted editor and researcher, and his work on Wall Street Stories was a cornerstone of his legacy. This book was a collaboration between him and fellow stockbroker William Fraser, and the two used their combined knowledge to reflect the Wall Street scene in astonishing detail. Today, Wall Street Stories is widely viewed as being a source of wisdom and education on the various aspects of financial markets, making it a valuable resource for both new and experienced traders.

Outside of his work as a writer and journalist, Lefevre was an industrious advocate of economic principles that sought to benefit the common man. He advocated for lower taxes for the middle class and for wages to keep up with the cost of living, both of which he believed were essential for the common man to rise from financial insecurity. His belief in the power of the individual to make a difference in the world was something shared by many of his contemporaries and was an important influence on the economic principles of the time.

Although Edwin Lefevre passed away in 1943, his influence on literature, finance, and economics remain to this day. His work as an author, editor, and economic advocate serve as a testament to his dedication to achieving the best outcomes for all people. He leaves behind a legacy of work whose impact continues to be felt in many aspects of life, and is rightfully respected as one of the most important figures in the fields of literature, finance, and economics.