The Davis Dynasty: Fifty Years of Successful Investing on Wall Street

John Rothchild

December 22, 2003

The Davis Dynasty: Fifty Years of Successful Investing on Wall Street by John Rothchild is a unique chronicle of the life and times of value investing pioneers Shelby Cullom and Buddy Davis. The book follows their investment approach from its roots in the 1940s to its current incarnation as a highly successful strategy famed for its ability to generate above-average returns with less risk than the market as a whole. Rothchild examines the tools and techniques used by the Davis team to adapt to the ever-changing financial markets, highlighting the contributions of the other members of the family-run firm. The book offers a candid account of some of the most momentous moments in the firm's history, including their struggle to navigate the market downturns of the late twentieth century.Though their investment principles have remained consistent - look for quality companies trading at a discount to their intrinsic value and hold them long-term - the strategy has evolved over the years to incorporate aspects such as leverage and emerging markets. The book dissects the thoughts and theories of the Davis team, as well as demonstrating their success as investors, making it essential reading for anyone interested in successful long-term investing. This captivating look at the Davis family's unique journey offers an invaluable insight into their passion, tenacity and remarkable success over the last half-century, thus allowing investors to feel inspired by their philosophy and confidently deploy it in their own portfolios.