Fabulous Read!!(Rating: 5)
I think all the other reviews say enough so I'll try to keep this short and simple. Even speaking from the perspective of a baseball illiterate limey, I must say that I found this book very very interesting indeed.... and most enjoyable. This was the first book of Michael Lewis' that I read and I have subsequently went on to read a number (not all) of his other works..... all of which have been equally as good. If you are interested in sports and/or the area athlete/player recruitment then this book will more than pique your interest..... some of the best money I have ever invested!!!

Major League Analysis(Rating: 5)
Moneyball, by Michael Lewis, takes as its central focus the exploits of the Oakland A's and their svengali general manager Billy Beane. Ignoring conventional baseball wisdom, he and Paul DePodesta have developed a whole new strategy, using the groundbreaking work of the likes of Bill James, for competing in the big leagues on a fraction of the budget of teams like the New York Yankees.

In essence this very readable book can be divided into two distinct styles, the personal and the scientific. When Lewis addresses the history and use of baseball theory, that is to say statistical analysis in the judging of players and games, he creates a sense of an almost academic approach to a national passtime. While this could be utterly confusing to a non baseball fan, to anyone with an interest in the game his discussions come as something of a revelation and can only serve as a starting point to further reading.

But where this book really comes into its own is in the personal stories and psychology of Billy Beane and his team. While it is made abundantly clear that Beane is no ordinary GM, the insight this book provides into the workings of a front office and its relationship with both the playing staff and management is utterly compelling.

All in all, for a baseball fan this is an absolute must read and for everyone else, you are guaranteed to find something of interest.

Not just for baseball fans(Rating: 5)
The book is centred around the Oakland A's baseball team, but as someone who had only ever seen one baseball game in his life, it was still a fascinating book. The narrative is about how the team can consistently outperform other teams which have more funds to pay for players etc.. Michael Lewis does not labour the analogy of their approach to other fields, and its left to the reader to think how the same ideas may be applied elsewhere. Even if you have never seen a baseball game you would be able to enjoy this book.

Superb book (better if you understand baseball however)(Rating: 5)
This was a great read; fascinating and thought provoking about professional baseball. It's great to see how a team has overcome a lack of financial clout to be able to still compete and to use educated statisticians rather than ex-players who go on hunches and their experience (that they believe to be a global one).

If you don't understand the game however, some of it may pass you by!

Very recommended.

... you'd really want to love baseball(Rating: 3)
While the book has interesting insights into pro sport, it's very American. I found it a struggle.