The book is a series of parables about money written in the 1920s by George Clason. They were written as individual essays of a few thousand words, but the theme throughout them is consistent -- save 10% of your money, give 10% away, use 10% to reduce your debt load, and live on the remaining 70%.
The stories in the book are entertaining; they are reminiscent of some of the parables in the Bible, such as the Prodigal Son or the story of the Workers in the Vineyard. I think this is intentional on the part of the author; certainly readers in the 1920s had an appreciation for "old fashioned stories with a moral" that people today seem to have lost. I enjoy the book greatly, though, and any thoughtful person who reads the book should find it interesting, especially if they are trying to get their finances in order.
In George S. Clason's "The Richest Man in Babylon," vital ancient secrets are told on how to get rich. This book represents the valuable information in a series of stories, which in turn make the book more interesting and easier to follow. As an example, one of the most useful tactics about money in this book is "The Seven Curses for a Lean Purse" (22). These seven curses become more evident to one once read through their daily lives, as they are not so common sense traps that everyone falls into.
Along with the great secrets and stories, is the choice of words presented in the text. A clever mix of modern English and biblical style make the book an easier read while adding onto the stories. On a scale from 1-10, this book would definitely receive an 8 if not better, due to its secrets told and guidelines presented in it such as "The Seven Curses for a Lean Purse" (22) and "The Five Laws of Gold" (57). If one liked "Rich Dad Poor Dad" by Robert T. Kiyosaki or other books similar to it, one will enjoy this book. Once taught and told the secrets of this book, one's financial ways will differ and improve. Recommendations for this book go out to anyone and everyone who wants to get out of financial debt, and learn more about how to manage their money.
-Save 10 percent of what you earn, regardless.
-Control your expenses.
-Make your money multiply (work for you).
-Invest wisely and look for the advice of wise persons.
-Own your home.
-Make sure you have provisions for when the time to retire comes.
-Countinue to learn about how to make money.
The book really comes down to these few learnings, which by no means is little. In fact, the way the story is told, it's very easy to grasp, and very likely you will feel identified with several of the characters throughout it. It's such an inexpensive book and such a quick read that it's a crime not to read it. It will pay off for itself millions of times... hopefully.