1 comments about For James and Gillian: Jim Gill's New York.

1. This book is such a wonderful gift from a grandfather to his grandchildren. But more than that, it's a wonderful gift to anyone who has ever lived or visited New York City. James Gill knows everyone (think Mother Teresa, President Gorbachev and virtually every New York area politician), and has truly influenced the course of the city's past, present and future. Unlike some, however, who might use such power to bend events to what best suits their needs, Gill has drawn on a solid foundation of integrity to help shape the city into something better for everyone. He is truly "one of the most influential New Yorkers you've never heard of," and this book is a fascinating slice of personal and historical recollection.

5 comments about The Rise and Rise of David Geffen.

1. One of the things I liked about this book was that the author occasionally made attempts to understand the man that David Geffen has become by describing the path that took him there starting with his childhood experiences. What I was interested in was how a Brooklyn kid coming from an apparently modest background could rise to the top. I wanted to know what kept him going. This book was a good start. Unlike several other books on entertainment moguls, it provided more than an overview of historical facts, by quoting interviews with people who personally knew Geffen.



2. I bought the book without knowing that its author, S. Singular, is also responsible for a work on M. Ovitz- which received almost uniformly bad critics. It probably won`t be different with this title. Once again, no personal contact to Geffen was established; Singular simply presents a potpourri of well- known facts, mixed with sentences like "when he (Geffen) wanted Sex, he found it". The interview Geffen gave Playboy magazine in `94 is more informative than this scrappy Singular product. I strongly advise against buying this book.



3. Rags to riches...David to Mr. Geffen, Sir. This book is a true testament to hard work does have it rewards. David Geffen's rise was phenomenonal but with his work ethic and business savvy it was actually expected. It landmarked Geffen's rivalries and inhibitions and showed how he made the big mergers of the conglomerates in the 90's work for him. A fine road map for future moguls. Slow reading in the beginning but it made up for it in the end. A fine piece.



4. Stephen Singular details the meteoric rise of a music moguls rise from a working class Brooklyn family to a major player in the entertainment industry. Personal secrets are shared with the reader including a lost love with Cher and the pain of admitting his sexuality in public. A great read for someone intrested in how the entertainment industry works or just how to claw your way to the top.



5. Interesting story about one man's rise from the porch of poverty to the mansions of Beverly Hills. The story is well researched and well reported, but it seems that Geffen is a hero to the author, and there is a positive slant placed on almost all his actions. The actions of his rivals are seen almost always in a negative light.

   The choice for references was kind of strange to me, too, including long quotes from "Queer in America."

   This shows the work of a hero-worshipping author writing from afar. One who sat down with David Geffen and spent time and effort to interview and understand the man might come up with a much different, and much better, work.

2 comments about Builders: Herman and George R. Brown.

1. This is the story of Herman and George Brown and the engineering and construction firm, Brown & Root, they founded. From humble origins in Central Texas building roads with a team of mules to much larger projects such as damns, military installations, ship building, offshore platforms and industrial plants. The book is not about the history of Brown and Root, but rather focuses on the lives of both brothers and their political and philanthropic activities. The book shows the relationship between the brothers and an up and coming Congressman from Texas in the 1930's, Lyndon Johnson. The book chronciles the parallel rise of both the Brown brothers' company and Lyndon Johnson in the national and international scene. The book shows the Brown brothers as movers and shakers in Houston politics and how they helped shape the growing city in the 1940's and 50's. A good book for anyone interested in construction as well as the history and poltics of Texas.



2. Much of what I had read on Brown & Root had been written in relation to the ties between the company and Dick Cheney but having had the chance to read this examination of its founders, I was quite surprised. First I was pleased that the authors did an excellent job of detailing the brothers and their company from the beginning to end without political or popular slant. The details of their early roadwork on through the first World War when they began a national player was extremely enjoyable. It was also interesting to learn of the brothers personality traits and hear the details behind some of their more memorable local deals such as the complicated structuring of the land deal which led to the construction of Johnson Space Center.
   
   This is indeed a top notch book written in a calm and easy flowing manner which make it a pleasure to read.

4 comments about The Pacesetter: The Untold Story of Carl G. Fisher.

1. I had never heard of Carl Fisher until this riviting book appeared in print. Facts that I never knew about were brought to my attention. For example: he is the creator of the Indy 500 and Maimi Beach. All of his accomplishments are beyond belief!



2. " The name Carl G. Fisher may not ring bells today, but it was this man who created the first transcontinental highway, built the Indy 500, developed Miami Beach, Florida and Montauk, New York . . . .One can only say "Thank You", Jerry for writing a wonderful biography, a splendid piece of history, and a story that provides an insight into an America where a poor Indiana boy could fulfill his dreams."



3. Anyone with any interest in auto racing or how 20th Century America needs this book. Painstakingly assembled, Jerry Fisher expertly defines one of the most charasmatic figures of the first half of the century. The fertile imagination of Carl Graham Fisher conceived and birthed the greatest automobile competition in the world, the Indianapolis 500, and then proceeded to will the playground metropolis of Miami, Florida up from wet sand. A marvelously unvarnished chronicle of a passionate, creative, generous, and, yes, flawed human being. Hats off to Jerry Fisher.



4. I am enjoying this book about a great man. I was afraid that author would be bad-mouthing widow of Carl Fisher as she had written the first biography. This book contains more photos and much more documentation.
   I have only read about half of the book. It is easy to read and is very interesting.

No comments about How Any Tradesman Can Build A Million Dollar Business In 24 Months.

No comments about Barbie and Ruth: The Story of the World's Most Famous Doll and the Woman Who Created Her.

5 comments about Harvests of Joy: How the Good Life Became Great Business.

1. I share some of the criticisms of other contributors on Amazon who have given the book the lowest possible rating. It is wordy, repetitive, and poorly edited. The author himself revealed that he is not a great lover of books and his literary style indicates it. Granted, it is worthwhile to have this book, in spite of its technical faults, for the sake of having access and insight to the history of the man who virtually pioneered the art of making fine wine in Napa. While I found several passages irritating to read, I could not put the book down. The chapter describing the inception of Opus One with the Baron is great stuff.

   Early on the author stated his intention to make state-of-the-art Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Johannisberg Riesling. As the text progresses the author trumpets the region's many successes in the first three noble varietals, and adds the favourable results obtained with Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot. He talks about his many trips to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Tuscany, Spain, and the Mosel, to learn how the established top estates operate. Inexplicably, he makes no effort to explain what happened in his quest to make fine Riesling. I find that very surprising in light of his comment late in the book that he drinks a lot more Sauvignon/Fume Blanc than Chardonnay.

   The commentary provided by his sons and his second wife is very well presented, more tightly focused and cohesive than the rest of the book.

   On a personal note I was glad he mentioned the Bible's approval of wine consumption; however, he should also have emphasized consumption in moderation (see Ecclesiastes 5).

   The description of the Robert Mondavi Winery in Oakville CA was needless to say entertaining. The author claims half a million visitors a year, and I can assert the reasonableness of this claim based on having seen it very busy during a very rainy Sunday while many of the other wineries in the area had no visitors at all. It's most definitely worth a visit, if you have a designated driver.

   This book is recommended with reservations for the unique experience it offers.




2. A must read book for anyone who not only has a "joie de vivre", but wishes to explore the foundation for truly appreciating the best. Mr Mondavi provides such insights in a most enjoyable and readable manner. Baccus himself would be delighted to read this book.



3. This is a fascinating tell of Mr.Mondavi's first life and his second life.

   His first life begins with his growing up on his family's vineyard. His second life, and where the real story begins, is his having to break away from the family, in his 40's, and start all over again from scratch.

   Everyone knows Sam Walton's late entreperneurial start, more people should know Mr.Mondavi's story. By all accounts he was the father of the Napa Valley boom and every bit of the story is riveting.

   I was thoroughly impressed by this work and learned a prime lesson on individuality. Mr.Mondavi had a dream that was counter to his family and he could do nothing but pursue it. He had to set the trend and he did. Wine lovers around the world should be grateful to him.

   Thanks Mr.Mondavi, this book was really a Harvest of Joy.




4. If you enjoy wines and want to read about how one man helped to change the perception of American wines, then this is a good book for you to read. I can agree with many other reviews that say the book is often repetitive and the writing in it is very amateur. That being said, take the book for what it is. It gives some great historical background on not only the Napa Valley, but also about what/what not to do when starting your own business. A great author he is not. An entertaining and fun read, the book is.



5. With the passing of Robert Mondavi I felt compelled to learn more about the man who has done more for the credibility and quality of American wine than probably anyone else;no doubt he will tell you he has in this book. Besides, it was the perfect reading in the evening after a recent visit to Napa and Sonoma. That is another story. Anyway, the book does much more than examine his personal and families contributiuon to winemaking in America, it explains the early days in Napa and the energy that existed between various wineries as they expanded the American market from table wine to fine wine. The book reads like an epic story of one families rise to power and wealth in the wine business, with all the details of struggles and conflicts woven together to create world class wine. Granted Robert Mondavi does at times blow his own horn but he has a right to, he is responsible for creating the Robert Mondavi Winery after a bitter battle( he actully punched his brother) that had him essentially removed from the family businesss in the Charles Krug Winery. Families can be foes and the impetus for new beginnings. It is a remarkable story, how this man, with his old-Italian-roots and charisma, went around the world in praise of wine, specifically wine from the Napa Valley in California. The book explains his vision of world domination, merging talents with the great wine families of the world to create wine outside of California as well. Robert Mondavi's writing style reflects his enthusiasm. He loved wine, he literally ate and breathed every waking moment of life consumed with the wine busibness. Great men are possessed by a singular drive to be the best,in his case he wanted to produce the best wine. Along the way, in order to appease the business end of wine, it meant he had to create wine that was not of the highest quality(Woodridge) but a good "everyday" consumer wine. Than there is Opus One and the reserve wines from his To Kalon vineyard area; the top of the line of the the Mondavi wines. It is an easy to read biography, complete with two sections of photographs that bring the family and assorted characters to life. I for one applaud Mr. Mondavi for what he did in Napa and elsewhere. He was an ambassador for wine until the day he died. RIP Mr. Mondavi, your legacy lives on.

5 comments about The Art of Scandal: The Life and Times of Isabella Stewart Gardner.

1. I am an avid reader and I find the subject of Bella Gardner fascinating, and I was incredibly excited to find yet another book about her amazing life! Yet, little did I know that it would take me almost three weeks to slog through this terribly written piece! With little organization and darting from one thought to another, it is barely held together. But, dear reader, the worst is yet to come. Let me give you an example of just one of the "typical" sentences that make up the writing found within, and remember this is just one sentence: "Perhaps her most vivid counsel ever as muse and mentor, into which central venue of Isabella Gardner's life first James and then Crawford and now Sargent have conducted us, that advice reflects the fact that just as it has been argued of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's friendship with Arthur Hallam that although their relationship lasted a mere four years, those "four years probably [were] the equal in psychic importance to the other seventy-nine of Tennyson's life," so with act one of Gardner's and Crawford's affair, which lasted barely two years."
   Now I realize how incredibly terrifying this is, and believe me, I have left punctuation, wording and phrasing exactly as they are found in the book. This is but one of three hundred pages of such dismal phrasing. Get the point...



2. when i set out to write a research paper about Isabella Stewart Gardner, i decided to read her biographies. i opted to read them in chronological order, starting with Morris Carter's published in 1925. i was having a ball learning about such an interesting woman, until i got to the Shand-Tucci biography. this book confused me so much, not only because of it's writing style, but also because of it's content. Mr. Shand-Tucci presents information completely opposite to the info in Morris Carter and Louise Hall Tharp's biographies. these differences were so extreme that i ended up writing my research paper about them. no joke. three thousand words later, and i still feel i could write more on the faults of this book.

   Just a side note, i talked to a friend who works at the Gardner Museum, and they stopped selling this biography in the museum shop because its allegations against Mrs. Gardner are so farfetched. if you want to read a good biography of Isabella Stewart Gardner, i highly recommend "Mrs. Jack" by Louise Hall Tharp.




3. When one has chance to visit Boston, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum is a unique cultural institution that should not be missed. One of the nation's most eclectic and idiosyncratic private museums, it represents the personal vision of its namesake, Isabella Steward Gardner, a woman with the means and confidence to assemble an art collection of enormous breadth and exquisite quality. At the same time, her wealth and influence gave her the ability to live life on her terms, despite the steady drumbeat of ugly gossip.
   Although I have a beautifully detailed volume on Isabella Stewart Gardner (1840-1924) and her museum Fenway Court, in my library, it was an "authorized" book, and as such that was left out of the story. However, it is a "warts and all" book that Douglas Shand-Tucci has written despite being in sympathy with his fascinating subject. Gardner married into wealth and she used her husband's cash to collect art - and people. Despite her marriage into the Gardner family, who were influential Boston Brahmins, she carried on scandalous affairs and surrounded herself with gay artists and aesthetes. Many of these relationships were ambiguous at the time for homosexuality had to remain far beneath the surface in the 19th century. John Singer Sargent painted Mrs. Gardner and their relationship was used as the model for Eleanor Palfrey's novel "The Lady and the Painter."
   The expatraite art historian Bernard Berenson advised her on her purchases, which included Vermeer's gem-like "The Concert" and Titan's great "Rape of Europa." She collected some of Sergeant's major works including the massive "El Jaleo" and he painted a famous portrait of her, as did Whistler and the Swedish artist Anders Zorn. She seemed to collect almost everything including Asian art, which she successfully mixed with the European paintings when she built Fenway Court, her Venician palace close by Boston's Museum of Fine Arts, which was constructed at the turn-of-the-century.
   Shand-Tucci's book is carefully researched and despite the fact that Gardner burned her letters, he seems to have sorted out the tangled web of relationships between the patroness and her friends, lovers and in turn, their relations with each other. This is no small accomplishment, as Garnder knew almost everyone who was anyone in America and Europe. In addition to close relationships with Sargent and Berenson, she knew George Santayana, Richard Wagner, Edith Wharton, Charles Elliot Norton, Henri Matisse, Henry Adams, Henry James and William James.
   "The Art of Scandal" recreates as era of elegance, taste and affluence, of the long, languid decades before the hell of "The Great War" when the leading families of Europe and America began to intermix, and the treasures of Europe made their ways to our homes and museums.



4. Unlike most of the reviewers here, I did enjoy Shand Tucci's biography. He has a genuine interest in getting to the "touchy" parts of biography which I find rewarding to have read. The older biographies are very dated hagiographies and really don't prompt an interest in anything but the conventional. This book has interesting things to say about James, Sargent, Bourget, Wharton, Berenson, and others. The style is a little like the gossipy, chatty, whispering voice of a turn of the century Bostonian so it fits well with the idea in the title. This book is certain to lead the future books that come out about Gardner and hopefully people won't continue regarding her as the Byzantine goddess of the Sargent portrait, but a woman of flesh and blood with strengths and weaknesses.



5. Gardner is an interesting personality. The book is written in a stilted, over punctuated style that makes it nearly impossible to read. And did I mention the zillion exclamation points???!!!!!!! A conversation with the author must be very tiring.

4 comments about James J Hill & Opening of Northwest (Borealis Books).

1. Of the four major biographies of James J. Hill, this one is the best and most detailed. If it has a fault, it is that it is too detailed for many readers. But for those interested in the financial history of the Great Northern Railway and the personal history of its builder, this is the classic.

   Martin had full access to the James J. Hill papers, now open to the public. Pyle's 1917 biography was also based on those papers, but Pyle was an employee of Hill's and tried to whitewash the truth, which actually made Hill look worse than he was. Holbrook's brief bio was based mainly on Pyle and rumor. Malone's 1996 book on Hill is to Martin's what Holbrook's was to Pyle's--a good intro but not as detailed as Martin's.




2. This is a very good, highly readable history of James J. Hill, his family and his numerous successful business adventures, and the Great Northern Railway in particular.



3. Very readable. I took it along on a recent trip on Amtrak's Empire Builder, while I didn't finish the book on this trip, too much to see, this is a perfect place to read it.
   
   I recommend it.



4. Judging from the other reviews here, I sometimes wondered if I was reading the same book. I didn't find the writing style breezy or particularily easy to read. The main problem with this book is the almost complete lack of what it says in the title "The Opening of the Northwest."
   
   I had expected to find a book that would cover in detail the design, building and construction of the Great Northern railroad and tell me about the towns along the route. The entire construction of the GN was covered in about six pages and practically next to nothing was said about the towns along the route. The only real 'opening of the NW' that was discussed was about the lumber trade and some mining, that was it.
   
   This book spends far too much time covering the business side of Hill's life in exhausting, boring and hard-to-follow detail. This should not be a business text about how to take over a railroad.
   
   I did find the relatively sparse coverage of Hill's personal life to be interesting and it's obvious he was a very shrewd businessman. But all told, I was very disappointed with this book, especially since I bought it after taking the Empire Builder and hoped to find out more about the route I had just travelled. Unfortunately, this was not the case.
   
   I do not recommend this book.

No comments about Andy Grove: The Life and Times of an American Business Icon.