Richard Branson: The Authorized Biography

Rating:
Summary: Cat of 9 lives and jack of many trades.
Review: This book covers all kinds of Branson adventures - he's had more near death experiences than most people and lives life to the full.

Much is about the growth and transformation of Virgin - from music to airlines. There's also the relationships that propelled Branson from his family to his business colleagues.

If ever I'm shipwrecked I'll remember how Branson survived in Mexico by swimming behind an ex-wife for 2 miles when he had little experience. His persistence is a constant theme in this book.

It is unfortunate he was not the first man to circumnavigate the world in a balloon, but one cannot say he did not take the risks to try. The writer's description of his ballooning trials places you right in the scene and changes one's perception of the sport.

Mick Brown writes lucidly and energetically to create a really inspiring portrait of this extraordinarily talented entrepreneur.

Rating:
Summary: The real Branson
Review: Unlike many journalists who have written about the man who is arguably the most innovative entrepreneur in Britain Brown manages to be supremely balanced: he describes Branson's rise, and pays tribute to his drive and ingenuity, but he is also critical, of Branson as a person and as a ruthless businessman. As Branson stands on the brink of taking over Britain's National Lottery this book deserves to be re-issued. supporter nor a cadoes not is neither a supporterot satdoes not is both adarthe most remarkable entre Branson Brown the

Rating:
Summary: Interesting
Review: You need an ego to build a company as large and successfully as Sir Richard has put together and that ego are captured by the author. The author gives us a view into the career of Mr. Branson from the start - the standard biography structure. The author did try to sneak in one or two items that are a bit on the tabloid side, but overall it looked to be a fair and complete review. I was most interested in how he structured his companies and moved from one to the next - I assumed he continued to own them, but that is not the case. Overall and interesting book that is enjoyable. If you are interested in the man then this would be a good starting point.