Michael Lewis nears completion of a book detailing Sam Bankman-Fried’s (SBF) journey and the dramatic FTX crypto exchange collapse.
Bestselling author, Michael Lewis, renowned for books like “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine” and “Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game”, has come close to completing his latest venture: a book centered around Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF) and the notorious collapse of FTX crypto exchange. Titled “Going Infinite: the Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon”, the book promises an intriguing insight into the drama-filled world of cryptocurrencies and their potential perils.
The Encounter with Sam Bankman-Fried (SBF)
Lewis first encountered SBF towards the end of 2021 through an introduction by a friend. Intrigued by the FTX founder, the acclaimed author started penning the story of this new age tycoon. But, as Lewis was nearing the completion of the book, the infamous implosion of FTX in November 2022 added a thrilling twist to the tale, thereby pushing Lewis to extend his narrative further.
The disintegration of FTX, a crypto exchange heavyweight, and the subsequent criminal charges against SBF turned into a gripping third act, that Lewis felt was missing from his book. This unexpected turn of events helped to transform his account into a thrilling rollercoaster ride, reminiscent of a fictional novel. Lewis believes that even those unfamiliar with the intricacies of the crypto industry or the name Sam Bankman-Fried will find the story engaging, as it unfolds like an exciting narrative.
Inside the Turmoil: FTX Collapse and Aftermath
During the tumultuous time of FTX’s downfall, Lewis had a front-row seat to the chaos. His account of this dramatic phase will not only make for a riveting read but also provide an insightful commentary on the volatile world of cryptocurrencies. Moreover, it’s worth mentioning that the author himself possesses a small quantity of Bitcoin, caught up in the FTX bankruptcy, making his personal stake in the story quite palpable.
Lewis’s previous work “The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine” offered an insightful, engaging narrative around the 2008 housing bubble crisis, which received considerable praise. His new book on SBF and the FTX fiasco, therefore, holds high expectations for shedding light on the key players and pivotal moments leading to the collapse of the exchange.
Exclusive Access: Interviews and Research
To offer an unbiased and comprehensive view, Lewis spent significant time interviewing individuals from SBF’s inner circle, FTX employees, and government officials in the Bahamas and the United States. He also had an exclusive two-year access to SBF, which continued even during SBF’s house arrest in Palo Alto, California. This privileged access to key stakeholders makes the book a potentially rich source of inside information on the rise and fall of the FTX.
Despite the book nearing its completion, the exact publishing date remains elusive. However, Lewis hinted at a release around the time of SBF’s trial, slated to begin in October. A cursory glance at Amazon suggests a tentative release date of October 3rd, turning the autumn into a possible period of revelatory insights into the spectacular saga of Sam Bankman-Fried and the FTX collapse.