In the high-stakes world of finance, where the line between heroes and villains blurs, "King of Capital" by David Carey delves deep into the empire of Blackstone and its co-founder, Steve Schwarzman—a figure synonymous with extraordinary wealth and influence. Carey, with meticulous research and insider insights, uncovers the journey of a firm that transformed from the archetype of leveraged buyouts and hostile takeovers to a beacon of disciplined investment and economic contribution. This narrative not only charts the meteoric rise of Blackstone from its humble beginnings to its status as a Wall Street titan but also challenges the reckless risk-taking that characterized much of the financial establishment during the tumultuous years leading to the global financial crisis. "King of Capital" paints a controversial yet compelling picture of a sector often vilified for its cutthroat practices. Carey and co-author John Morris ask us to consider a different perspective: Can entities like Blackstone, once seen as "barbarians at the gate," evolve into forces of positive economic momentum, driving growth and stability in an unpredictable market? Through the lens of Blackstone's evolution and its battles for dominance against giants like Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, Carey crafts a narrative rich in human interest, exploring not just the mechanics of financial maneuvering but the very human aspirations, rivalries, and dreams that fuel this high-powered world. This book is not just a story of financial success; it's a window into the transformation of an industry and the redefinition of power and success in the modern world.