5 comments about Commodity Options: Trading and Hedging Volatility in the World's Most Lucrative Market.

1. I have read nearly every option book in print, studied option theory in doctoral asset pricing classes, and hold a Ph.D. in finance. My doctoral dissertation on slippage in the futures markets was sponsored by the Chicago Board of Trade and included analysis of the futures option markets. I am also actively involved in research in the options markets to this day in equities as well. As a researching professor of finance at the Graduate School of Business at the University of Puerto Rico I teach futures, Forex, and option trading in basic, intermediate and advanced derivative classes at the MBA and doctoral levels. Commodity Options is the best book I have ever seen on futures options far surpassing Lawrence G. McMillan's so called "classic" entitled Options as a Strategic Investment. The reason for this is that many option gurus like McMillan lack the experience in the trenches of Paul Brittain. In fact, the real genius of this book is the years of experience, some of it painful, that Mr. Brittain has accrued as a true industry insider and options operator. Some of the warnings about specific futures option positions are beyond the recognition of importance of beginners as Paul Brittain carefully outlines the unique environment of the futures markets, lower liquidity than equities for instance, that lead to problems in employing strategies commonly touted by futures option course, book, and newsletter writers more interested in a fast buck than true and proper education. Hence, if you are a beginner read this book at least five times and take extensive notes.
   
   Not only do I recommend Paul's book but I also know that if you are serious about trading futures you would do well to subscribe to his futures option newsletter "The Optionologist" and should regularly attend Mr. Brittain's webinars at Commodity Trading School.
   
   Prof. Scott Brown, Ph.D.
   Associate Professor of Finance, University of Puerto Rico
   Author, The Worry Free Wealth Guide to Stock Market Investing: FREE BONUS: 7 Hours of Audios! (Volume 1)



2. I agree with both of the dissenting (less than 5 star) reviewers.
   
   This book really offers very little insight into trading the functional differences between underlying stocks and commodities. The examples in the book do use commodities for calculation purposes and this does give the reader some insight into planning trades. But no real substance arises in this book in regard to what the important differences are between trading options on stocks and commodities other than references to the probably more pervasive trading ranges of commodities. This can be summarized in one sentence. It does not take a whole book to make that point.
   
   The vast majority of the material reviews option trading strategies using underlying commodities. In other words, other than using a lot of commodity-based examples, very little if any new information is presented in this book. Seasoned options traders will not gain any new perspectives.
   
   I also agree with the interesting observation by the 1 star reviewer. The 5 star rave reviews have a suspicious similarity.



3. A key reason for buying this book was to understand the difference of trading options on commodities as an underlying asset. In the introduction the authors explains that options on commodities are different than on stocks and therefore strategies that works on stocks might not work as well on commodities. I fully agree, and bought this book to learn more about these differences.
   
   This book walks through a number of different option strategies (all used in the stock market), but fails to explain wherein the different lies between options for stocks or commodities. The authors also claims that selling naked put exposes you to unlimited risk, which is incorrect as a commodity (or stock) can not go lower than zero, so your risk is in fact limited.
   
   If you are new to commodities and options this book is a good introduction to the subject. For more seasoned traders this book offers no new knowledge.



4. So far I love the in-depth explanations of different techniques; as a novice options trader, this really is an "options 101" handbook. Touche.



5. This was the easiest and most organized book to read. Very informative and well written. I started this book thinking I would read it a little at time and ended up reading the entire book in one day.

5 comments about Trade Your Way to Wealth: Earn Big Profits with No-Risk, Low-Risk, and Measured-Risk Strategies (Wiley Trading).

1. The product is good and worthwhile. It took too long to receive considering it was supposedly in stock.



2. Well, this book was boring to me and haven't added almost anything to my useable list of strategies.



3. I bought this book at the end of last year. I just finished my first reading and begun my second reading with more detailed notes. I feel that I wish I had this book long time ago. I have been treading for many years, but not very successful. I want to improve myself. After reading this book, I felt I learned a lot form the book. I modified my trading plan and fine-toned some charting techniques according to the suggestions from this book. I might post some of my detailed reading notes on author's newsletter's forum after a few month of trading.
   
   To make a long story short, I'd say that this book is not for the beginners. It's not a primer for investment. It better fits to the people who have some knowledge about trading and want to improve themselves. This book lists a lot of detailed trading practices/examples, not the fake stock XYZ as a generalized scenarios. These examples are very useful, at least to me for better understanding the techniques.
   
   At the end, I would say that I highly recommend this book to anyone who want to improve themselves.



4. This book is a definate keeper. I really enjoyed the open straight way in which Bill Kraft presents his stratigies in this book. I was looking to lower my risk and develop more advanced stratigies to my trading rules. This book helped me to do this.



5. I have read many trading books and have been a profitable active trader for many years. Mr Kraft's book is without question the best book on the market today from which to learn how to actually do the trades and be profitable. Mr Kraft's emphasis on the importance of entering a trade only when there is a close clear exit is simple but tremendously effective. This book truly teaches one how to become wealthy using systematic, proven strategies. It also teaches one how to implement no risk strategies such as collars to protect assets and achieve a reasonable return. The reason this book is different from the many others I have read is that it teaches one how to actually do the trades in a simple straight forward format rather than discussing theories. Can't recommed this book highly enough. Mike Beebe

3 comments about Students Solutions Manual for Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives, Sixth Edition.

1. There is no other words to say tha "actually a complement" for Options and Futures and other derivates. The autor has mastered in this subject.



2. If you're currently reading the quant "Bible", I would find it difficult to believe why you wouldn't have this attached. The solutions are well detailed and even though many steps are omitted, one can easily deduce the direction of reasoning of the authors solutions. For such a topic and it certainly serves its purpose - it's better to know what you're doing wrong then not. (there is of course more than one way to do many of the problems). It's cheap, it's practially necessary, so why not get it.



3. It is quite handy. You can find all the Hull's book solutions in one place

5 comments about Options Volatility Trading: Strategies for Profiting from Market Swings.

1. While this this book has an occasional tidbit of useful information, the writing style is annoying and much of information is poorly presented.



2. Adam's book is the most practical book on Options and Volatility Trading I have read. He avoids much of the confusing (and irrelevant) rhetoric included in most Options texts and provides readers a practical and intuitive explanation of what options are, how investors can use options to generate incremental profits for their portfolios, construct targeted trading strategies with attractive risk/reward characteristics and use options to manage risk. This book is applicable for both beginners as well as advanced options traders / research analysts. Don't get me wrong, in-depth mathematical theories are relevant in a broader academic context; it has its place. Adam's place is on the trading floor; this book takes you into the action and puts you in a position to become a better options trader. A must read.



3. Regarding Options Trading I say: Options Yes - okay, Options No - okay, Options Maybe - you get squished by the market (Mr. Miyagi said to Karate Kid: `Karate Yes' - okay, `Karate No' - okay, `Karate Maybe' - you get squished like a grape). Trading is profitable if you get the direction right; be it stock or options trading, whether you are betting on price movement or volatility movement.
   
   Warner's book is definitely not for the beginner in options. If you have not heard of the `Greeks' before, read a book such as `Volatile Markets Made easy: Trading Stocks and Options for Increased Profits' by Guy Cohen, before attempting to read Warner's book. If you have no patience in reading an `opaque chapter' and reading it again to discover the nuggets of wisdom,this book is not for you. Definitely do not attempt to read the entire book in a single weekend (as I like to do); it can be hazardous to your brain.
   
   It seems unclear which audience Adam Warner intended this book for. Perhaps that's why despite having read a dozen or so books on Options trading before, Adam Warner leaves me in a fog. Options Trading knowledge and expertise clearly abounds in Mr. Warner's veins. It would be much easier on the reader if he knew before hand, whether this book is intended for him. (For example on page 26 Warner states `As a Floor Trader, you end up with all sorts of complex positions).
   
   Is this book a manifestation of a Market Maker seeking redemption for some other market maker's shenanigans? Warner's opening chapter (Who Am I? Why Am I here?) is full of statements defending Market Makers and Specialists; it is interesting reading but does not contribute to the reader's successful trading.
   
   While discussing Greeks, Warner's dual characterization of a Call Option's Delta as Leverage vs. Embedded Put is interesting and illuminating.
   
   Warner introduces VIX in all its glory in chapters 3-5.His expose of the Volatility Timing in terms of the (daily and monthly biases) VIX levels leads to valuable insight into option trading: `If you intend to buy options, avoid the very end of an expiration cycle and the beginning of the next one. Of course, this assumes that VIX volatility and the specific option volatility are (highly) correlated. See the excellent defense by Warner of why VIX did not fail when it could not forecast the S&P 500 drop in 2008; it's the correlation, stupid!
   
   Warner states `I am not a big stickler for requiring knowledge of every last term. It's more important that you understand the risk and reward picture ... than to know exactly what to call those attributes'; I couldn't disagree more. It's paramount to call them by their correct name (lest you incur the wrath of the Greeks!).Perhaps this attitude led Wagner to use the nebulous terms `Fixed Variable' and `Moving Variable' (page 13). Yes, the input variables to the options modeling equation (Stock Price, Strike Price, volatility, Interest Rate, Dividend, Days to Expiry, Days to Ex-Dividend) determine the calculated Option Value (or Premium); of these all but Volatility are variables whose values are known (not fixed) and implied volatility is that volatility value which makes the calculated option value match the market (between Bid and Ask).The modeling equation also calculates the Greeks.
   
   Warner's story of the Long Gamma Man and Ms. Premium Seller in the context of a Straddle strategy for trading volatility makes for entertaining reading albeit a bit challenging for a beginner. (You may read Guy Cohen's Options Made easy for the same strategy if you wish to `see' what's going on in graphical pictures of the Greeks as well as the Profit Loss profile). Warner's recommendation of `flipping stocks' as the underlying moves, is not for most traders; it should be understood well before employing the strategy. Cohen's approach is straight-forward options buying and profiting from increased volatility.
   
   Warner's Strategy Room (option strategies)proves that he can be transparent and informative if he chooses to be; but if the author chooses to amuse himself while writing this book who can blame him.
   
   Volatile Markets Made Easy: Trading Stocks and Options for Increased Profits
   Options Made Easy: Your Guide to Profitable Trading (2nd Edition)



4. This book is a lot like running a diamond mine. You need to sift through tons of junk to get even a tiny gem out. Yes there are a few small gems to be found here. However they are well buried.
   
   If you want a mathematical treatment try Hull. Make sure you know your calculus and probability theory.
   
   If you want something with substance try Augen. Have some experience first.
   
   If you want a beginner's book....there are tons of them.
   
   If you want to be tortured by writing style and incomplete treatment buy this one. Don't think it will appeal to any novices and few experienced traders.



5. Words cannot tell how little value I received from this book. I have limited knowledge about trading options and I hoped that this book would help me beyond the covered write strategy I presently use. It did not help me. Often I found the author's explanations cryptic, vague and very hard to follow.
   Some of his ramblings took a complete chapter to describe a concept that he conclude had no relevant value. As soon as I finished reading (skimming) the final two chapters, I "put" the book in the garbage.
   This book may appeal to seasoned option traders but if like me, you are a novice, pass this one by.

No comments about Fourier Transform Methods in Finance (The Wiley Finance Series).

5 comments about The Futures Game: Who Wins, Who Loses, & Why.

1. Be prepared to get into the nitty gritty of futures trading with this book, I bought it because I was slightly interested and got a little more than I expected, however was still a fascinating read, and not too technical.



2. The author makes the following comment: "....literature on hedging in futures marets is not the essence of clarity." I hope he was including himself. If you don't have a pretty good foundation in Futures you don't need to start w/ this book. I don't know why writers can't start with the basics and work up to the complex nuances. I was very disapointed.



3. ... this come comes out "tops". I use the information I learned from this book daily as I trade not only futures but also forex. If you are a trader, this one needs to be one of your "top" resources.



4. I am a long time futures investor and I have several books on the subject. This book: "The Futures Game" is superb. It is complete and the only one to consult.



5. This book is an essential a textbook for college students. It provides all the basic materials about the futures market. But I feel it doesn't cover too much about the problems of real world trading. After trading for sometimes, I know that there are many tricks using by the professional traders. They are really important. They can give you edges over other traders. But they are seldom covered in college textbooks. So you still need to read other books or learn from other people before you put the money into this risky game.

5 comments about Options Trading: The Hidden Reality ("Options: Perception and Deception" & "Coulda Woulda Shoulda" revised & expanded, Printed in Color).

1. After 3 full-time years(of 13 yrs investing) of studying, extremely frustrating full-time study and searching, as a trading student, I found this book "OPTIONS TRADING: THE HIDDEN REALITY" by Charles Cottle. This guy seems a little like a saviour to me, [he cleared the confusing fog and fears supporting my uncertainty] after putting so much trust in other highly rated books and programs. I had hoped the other authors would have had the same skills, insights and experiences (credentials) this man, and his team, actually possess and demonstrate!
   
   I nominate the RISK DOCTOR as "KING OF OPTIONS EDUCATION"! I think!: This book will become THE "options trading BIBLE"! (Out of 60+ best options books, DVDs & reports I've reviewed. This review is obviously over the top, but I love the way his materials are engineered, they deliver, BIG TIME!)
   
   1. He has trained 1,000's of options market makers all over the world - very few have the multi-levels of experiences to handle those challenges! The RISK DOCTOR TEAM, of retired floor traders, have been where few others have. Plus, they're still consultants to the professional traders.
   
   2. His years of experiences as a successful market maker at CME (futures) and CBOE (equity derivatives) supplied his unique insights, and qualifications as a market maker teacher, and now as a retail trading teacher.
   
   3. He developed "CUP of Synthetics", "OPTIONS METAMORPHOSIS" and other "proprietary" tools (like DIAMONETRICS) to help us cut the hassles and wasted time out of our options analysis, chart analysis and risks analysis, their POTENT, check'em out! With these tools, I'm becoming more resourceful!
   
   The RISK DOCTORs proprietary set of tools, for education in risk analysis, helps you make rapid, on the spot, risks analysis and costs evaluations in seconds (without depending on software)! If your gonna trade options, don't pass this book by, it's worth it's weight in GOLD!
   
   4. He developed the "most potent" set of retail traders educational materials in existance. Reading and learning and communications with the RISK DOCTOR has effectively cleared up my confusions, fearful uncertainties from too much conflicting information overload.
   
   5. He demonstrates qualities of character on the phone you'd expect from a master of options. He'll help you see inside of risks, like covered calls (most popular strategy) risk profiles, like no one else mentioned before(Their equivalent to a "naked put" risks, I've never new that). He says, "don't take my word for it, prove it, here's how", and he can prove it! Only two other teachers ever said that before!
   
   If you don't believe me, visit [...] and read some of the comments, and listen to some of the free videos. OT:THR is where I wish I had started, it would have saved me a ton of money($10-12k), frustrations, and disappointments(4-5,000 wasted hours of study) because it's so far ahead of everything else in the options risks education universe.
   
   I sure got surprised by the content, by his perceptions, and then depressed while discovering this guy has been available to retail traders since 2001! This new updated book is recent though, so I couldn't find and evaluate it before last year. I failed to search in the right places. Like Charles told me in an e-mail yesterday "better late than never"!
   
   After reading the book, you've got to watch FOO(Foundation of Options), which you can find at [...] , the next one I'm working on is OPTIONS METAMORPHOSIS. OTTHR covers more ground, more effectively than any book or program I've read, or watched in 5-6,000 hrs, covering everything I had curiosities about in equities, currencies and options.
   
   
   No longer confused and frustrated in Okc



2. When you start reading about option trading, the first few books you run into seem to be so enlightening that you generously give them a 4-5 star evaluation on Amazon.
   Then, as soon as it becomes visible to you that the "get rich quick" paradigm does not apply to options, you learn to better select your favourite authors.
   Finally, you shore to Charles Cottle's book(s) and, despite you 3+ year studies in options, you start to question yourself whether the study efforts you spent until then were worth their while.
   This book is neither an easy read, nor a quick recipe to master options. It is a book that deserves study, hard study, no shortcuts, as Charles himself wrote in his dedication on my own book when I visited him in his office in Chicago.
   The author starts giving the reader a very fresh (unique, as far as my experience goes) perspective about option positions analysis through the so called "dissection" aimed to alter the trader's perception of his position and to better understand and measure risks.
   After this, the book goes through analyzing in a tad more traditional way nuts and bolts of options: greeks, IV and various nuances like dividends, exercise, etc.
   From Ch 4 on, the book goes deep into analyzing the 4 pillars of option trading: Verticals, Straddle and Strangles, Wingspreads (butterflies, condors, etc.) and Time Spreads. I found those chapters to be insightful and refreshing, giving the reader a lot of new perspectives on topics (e.g. the butterfly spreads) oftentimes neglected by other authors.
   In the final chapters, the book discusses the volatility skew (challenging) and some insight from market makers (very challenging, at least for me)and closes with a gem on hybrid hedging techniques created by the author.
   In closing, I think that if there is one book you must not read but master if you want to deal with option trading, this is the one.
   Mr. Cottles' unique way of teaching never tries to let you think options are easy; he'd better try to discourage you from going ahead than letting you think to that 100K BMW your are going to buy next month, with the proceeds from your option trading. This is something that, at least in my experience, is very hard to find in the trading teaching and mentoring arena.



3. Charles really does pick up where a lot of other authors leave people hangin. The information in this book has really transformed my trading and my options awareness. He's not re-hashing the published works of others traders/authors here, his material is dense with lots of information related to his personal experience in the trading pits and the lessons learned while training many, around the world to become pit traders.
   
   For people that are new to Options, this book seems like drinking from a fire hose. I, myself, am reading OTTHR for the 4th time. Charles really doesn't hold back.
   
   Overall this is an excellent book with lots of good information for someone who is serious about trading Options. It may take a couple of readings to lock-in the concepts but it will not leave you "hi and dry".. Let me add also, that books of this caliber is not just for market makers.
   
   
   $eaTrader



4. not much to say but if options trading were a religion this would be its bible. you will need to have some understanding of options to fully grasp this book. i'd recommend "option volatility and pricing" before.



5. I can say this is one of the few outstanding texts for the practicing option trader.
   
   You will really need to have a intermediate understanding of options to benefit.
   
   Cottle covers trading options in a unique way that will really take you to the next level.
   
   His coverage of adjusting positions is outstanding that I have not seen covered anywhere else.
   
   The book will require a lot of work to really understand but after a few readings you will start to feel the lights coming on.
   
   this is one of 4 or 5 option books I would really recommend if you master this book you will be well on your way to understanding options on a very deep level.

5 comments about Basic Black-Scholes: Option Pricing and Trading.

1. I am a professor of finance at the University of Puerto Rico. Timothy's book was recommended to me by Professor Steve Mann at the University of South Carolina, where I obtained my Ph.D. in finance, as "simply the best book out there on option pricing." What I found when I assigned the book in my MBA class on Futures and Options is that the students all remarked at how incredibly understandable and thorough the book is even though it is clearly useful at the doctoral level as well. This is certainly what I would expect from an MIT Ph.D. where its nearly impossible to get accepted into the doctoral finance program and even harder to get out!
   
   If you really want to understand option pricing get this book...there simply isn't anything else like it out there on the market!



2. Tremendously valuable book for its selection and excellent treatment of many rarely addressed aspects of financial derivatives and the care with which intuition for these aspects is developed.
   
   Financial mathematics exists at the intersection of many different fields, yielding many possible perspectives from which to teach and learn about this discipline. Many of these perspectives bog down in the rigor of their respective fields. Such approaches render it difficult to absorb and apply core concepts without spending a great deal of time in first learning topics such as advanced probability theory and stochastic calculus.
   
   Dr. Crack's approach seems to be to develop the intuition as a framework for understanding further advanced study, should it be warranted by the reader. At the same time, he includes many aspects of the underlying science to help bridge the gap between the academic world and the world of trading.
   
   For example, his derivation of the solution to the Black-Scholes equation and subsequent analysis of the components of the solution leaves the reader fully prepared to quickly and intelligently grasp the impact of changes in assumptions. This is in contrast to many treatments that seem to stop at the solution, leaving the reader feeling as though the Black-Scholes solution is simply a black-box with no intuitive connection to the real world.



3. I like the text because it gives many aspects of the Black-Scholes model that I have not found elsewhere. One may feel that Black-Scholes is an "old" model, but it is the genesis of option pricing and understanding its intuition is the key to understanding more complex models. In addition, the text is very readable, but I think even more satisfying if the reader already has some options background.



4. Crack's two books, Basic Black-Scholes and Heard On The Street,
   are masterpieces of condensed ,focused instruction for those who need to know. There is also an atmosphere of scintillating competence projected on the reader. Some of the anecdotes in Heard On The Street are hilarious; add to this the requirement that you must keep your wits about you at all times when reading
   these primers and overall you get a feeling of a happy learning experience. Remarkable.



5. I was generally familiar with options pricing and read this book after the Hull's book on derivatives. I felt that this text definitely provided a lot of good intuition and different perspectives that I have not see anywhere else.
   
   This text helped me systemize my knowledge of options and develop a more intuitive feel for their behavior. Definitely, a good addition to the classics on option pricing.

5 comments about How to Make Money With Real Estate Options: Low-Cost, Low-Risk, High-Profit Strategies for Controlling Undervalued Property....Without the Burdens of Ownership!.

1. I've made it about halfway through this book and had to stop. It was so dull and dry, full of lists of things to do to find and buy Real Estate options. Good information, but dull as could be. It would have been much better had the author included examples of how to go about using the techniques he lists. But once again, the information was good if that's all you're looking for.



2. As a beginner in investing I am at a point where I'm still learning the tricks of the trade. Though this book was infromative I still have to favor the others I have read specifically, "The Pizza Delivery Millionaire"..by Rick Vazquez. It's sold here on Amazon and also on their website for an affordable price..which I think is a great deal if
   
   1. you are intimidated by investing
   2. You want to start investing but have no idea where to start
   
   That book is great!



3. I don't know, I thought this seemed like a great idea. And maybe in some markets it is. In Philadelphia, it's different from the authors home of Florida and I just didn't get anything out of reading this book. When he says options are a little known used RE tool, he ain't lying! After reading Mr. Lucier's book I realized that this was a concept that was completely impractical for me. Some of his stories about finding warehouses that sat vacant for years, cleaning the floor and a coat of pain and voila! $25000 profit, well, they just seem totally out there to me. If you think you can make a go of it, yes, it takes little money but this concept is seldom used and not going to work in many places.



4. I've heard good things about Thomas Lucier's books, so I approached this one with high expectations and he didn't let me down. He illuminates the argument for this powerful investing tool -- namely, real estate options.
   
   Good even for beginners, Lucier starts with a basic introduction to real estate option investing before moving on to the details. I especially liked the chapter on how you can use options to profit from problem properties that other investors might shy away from -- knowing how to put deals together where other investors can't or won't can give you a leg up on the competition in a time when I'll take what I can get.
   
   In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am an attorney, real estate broker, investor, trainer, and author of another unique and highly readable book on real estate investing that can also be found here on Amazon -- The WealthLoop Series Beginner's Guide to Building Wealth Buying Houses: The Foolproof Roadmap to Real Estate Riches Without the Risks and Hassles of Landlording.
   
   Lucier has written an informative book that's worthy of your time. Buy it if you are serious about making a success of real estate investing.



5. This book is exactly what I was looking for. I was interested in getting started in buying and selling real estate options and this book gets to the heart of it. There are a multitude of great suggestions, tips, and instruction. I would be lost without it. There are even sample forms. Worth twice the price!!

5 comments about The Eurodollar Futures and Options Handbook (McGraw-Hill Library of Investment and Finance).

1. This book stands alone as the go-to volume for anyone interested in understanding what Eurodollar futures are, how they came to be, and what they are used for. This should come as no surprise, given that the author had a major hand in the invention of the Eurodollar contract. More abstract issues for professional traders, including convexity, strip valuation, and TED spread arbitrage are also covered, in easy-to-read yet authoritative theoretical terms.
   
   Considering the move made by the market from the pits to the screens, the time for another revised edition may be drawing near. Systematic arbitrage of the Eurodollar complex (spreads, packs, bundles, etc.) has never been more available to the sophisticated amateur. If there is any aspect of the market that Mr. Burghardt neglects, it is a thorough treatment of Eurodollar calendar spread arbitrage.



2. Great book with very detailed examples on the relationship between different fixed income instruments. My only complaint (and it is a very minor one) is lack of problems at the end of each chapter to help solidify the concepts. Otherwise, an excellent book.



3. This is a very practical book with detailed examples to help reader with the basic concept and Eurodollar Futures and Options. Very useful for beginners in this field. The last half of the book is dealing with more advanced topic more suitable for fix incoming researchers.



4. Clearly the best book on Eurodollar futures and options. The book is a must for anyone involved in fixed income securities.



5. Having just finished reading the author's treatment of bond futures in the 'Treasury Bond Basis,' I was happy to see that Burghardt was updating some of his material from the early 1990s on Eurodollar futures. The 'Bond Basis' was an excellent and thorough analysis, and 'The Eurodollar Futures and Options Handbook' follows the same trend.

   He provides an excellent overview of the institutional details of Eurodollars and their uses. The book is at its strongest when dealing with issues of the convexity bias and also scores high by not neglecting important issues like the stub period. Perhaps my favorite chapter was on callable bonds and the extension/compression risk, which, while a little misplaced in a book on Eurodlllars, still provided a very lucid explanation of the relevant issues.

   With regard to options, the author touches upon some of the interest strategic combinations using serial and mid-curve options, but I feel that he could've delved a bit deeper in this part of the book. It's the only area in which I felt the book was somewhat lacking.

   Having said all that, if you're looking to learn about Eurodollar futures, I can't imagine there's a better book out there. This is an excellent compilation of a number of Burghardt's research from the 1990s together with more recent updates. Even if Eurodollars are not your main area of expertise, this book will still help you to gain a more solid understanding of many of the pertinent topics in fixed income.