Barbarians at the Gate

The Fall of RJR Nabisco

By Bryan Burrough, John Helyar

"Barbarians at the Gate" (1989) chronicles one of the most colossal corporate deals in American history—the leveraged buyout of RJR Nabisco. Its pages paint a vivid picture of the extravagant lifestyles and unbridled ambition that defined corporate America in the 1980s.

About the Authors

Bryan Burrough and John Helyar, seasoned investigative journalists, tracked the RJR Nabisco buyout as it unfolded in real-time. Their meticulous research and extensive interviews offer readers a captivating glimpse into a unique chapter of Wall Street history.

Dive into one of the 1980s' most infamous corporate tales

When you think of the 1980s, you might picture young urban professionals flashing their cash and living large. This era of excess is perfectly captured in the story of RJR Nabisco and its CEO, Ross Johnson.

But this isn't just about one company's drama. It's a window into how leveraged buyouts went from being a smart financial move to something that raised eyebrows.

In this summary, you'll learn:

• why leveraged buyouts became all the rage;

• how Ross Johnson climbed the corporate ladder; and

• what made RJR Nabisco ripe for the picking.