Exahustive, but complicated and very user-unfriendly (Atlanta, GA) May 13,...

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Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives (5th Edition)
John C. Hull

Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives (5th Edition) - image

Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Rank: 3460

Exahustive, but complicated and very user-unfriendly
(Atlanta, GA) May 13, 2001 - 4.0/5 stars

This book seems to be very popular in MBA/Computational Finance courses in the US. However, whether the popularity (in the MBA level) stems from the readability quality of the book itself, is doubtful.

The book has its merits- it is comprehensive, has all the right materials, and also the derivations of all the complicated formulae.

However, the manner in which the material is presented can only be described as unimaginative. There is a constant stream of cross-references throughout the book, which will leave the reader feeling frustrated.

The book goes forward in fits and starts and there is a distinct lack of cohesion in the treatise. Also, the book assumes that the reader is not mathematically sophisticated, but uses shortcuts and jumps computational steps regularly, which adds to the students' woes.

The description of the different types of options are pleasant to read, and so also is the chapter on value at risk, but the rest of the book leaves the students confused.

To read this book, the reader should be adept in using standard mathematical tools like arithmetic and algebra and also be somewhat proficient in probability.

However, this book is great for practitioners. I have simulated all sorts of options scenarios, from simple Black-Scholes model, to the AMM approach, barrier options and multinomial models.

For each of these models I found direct or indirect help from the Hull book. For beginners, I would recommend the book by Jarrow and Turnbull and advise them to keep this book as a reference for the future.

Customer Review: 28 of 33

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Customer Reviews

Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives (5th Edition)
John C. Hull

Customer Review 27 - 29 of 33


27.	Good book for academics, not for traders
	(Bethesda, MD, USA) July 8, 2003 - 4.0/5 stars
	The book is written in arcane language. If you know nothing about futures for example, this book will make you even more confused. There is undoubtedly a great theoretical value to the book, so if you want to pursue a career... read full review

Current Review
28.	Exahustive, but complicated and very user-unfriendly
	(Atlanta, GA) May 13, 2001 - 4.0/5 stars
	This book seems to be very popular in MBA/Computational Finance courses in the US. However, whether the popularity (in the MBA level) stems from the readability quality of the book itself, is doubtful. The book... read full review

29.	A Good Place to Start
	(Ann Arbor, MI USA) December 26, 2001 - 4.0/5 stars
	A core holding in any financial engineer's library. The cookbook approach, solved problems, and ready reference on numerous topics at the expense of depth left me wanting more...more...MORE! Like any good intoduction... read full review

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Editorials

Sample 3 of 3

Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives (5th Edition)
John C. Hull


	The publisher, Prentice Hall Business Publishing
	Widely-adopted for its comprehensive coverage, exceptionally clear explanations of difficult material, and avoidance of nonessential math, this text bridges the gap between the theory and practice of derivatives, and helps... read full editorial

	From the Inside Flap
	Preface This book is appropriate for graduate and advanced undergraduate elective courses in business, economics, and financial engineering. It is also suitable for practitioners who want to acquire a working knowledge... read full editorial

	From the Back Cover
	JOHN C. HULL'S Options, Futures, and Other Derivatives is unique in that it is both a best-selling college textbook and the "bible" in trading rooms throughout the world. The Fifth Edition continues to offer the most... read full editorial

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