Over the past year, Jonathan Knee could often be found in newspapers and at conferences making the argument that bulge-bracket investment banks have lost their way. The former Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley banker tells a sentimental story. The good old days when a banker stood by a business through thick and thin were no longer. Goldman bankers used to take pride in being "long-term greedy." The banks have since adopted a short-term, grab the money-while-you-can view and the Street is now full of deal hounds--bankers willing to pitch you anything for a fee. Relationships? Who needs 'em?

Major firms, he argued, "are starting to lose share to upstart advisory firms without conflicts or multiple products to sell." Boutiques, that is, such as Greenhill, Perella Weinberg and, oh yeah, Evercore Partners, where Knee works in corporate advisory. Some might argue that's self-serving, but Knee can build a compelling case.

That's why his memoir, The Accidental Investment Banker, which arrives on bookstore's shelves this week, is attracting some interest. Advance copies have generated mixed reviews. Knee reportedly hits the high ground, continuing his assault on bulge-bracket banks' conflicting loyalties. For some reason, he also hits a few lows that have little to do with his well-known thesis. Anyone interested in Joseph Perella's flatulence? His book is the place to bone up on it, apparently.