7.6 /10 1 Votes
Country United States Publisher Penguin Group (U.S.) Originally published 19 April 2011 Genre Memoir | 3.8/5 Goodreads Language English Publication date April 19, 2011 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Original title Idea Man: A Memoir by the Cofounder of Microsoft Media type E-book, Print (Hardback and Paperback), and Audiobook Memoirs The Age of Turbulence, North of Ithaka: A Journey, Abominable Firebug, Fat Girl: A True Story, Life Among the Savages | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Idea Man: A Memoir by the Cofounder of Microsoft (2011) is the New York Times bestselling memoir by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen. Published in 2011 by Portfolio, a Penguin Group imprint, the book recounts how Allen became enamored with computers at an early age, conceived the idea for Microsoft, recruited his friend Bill Gates to join him, and launched what would become the world’s most successful software company.
The book, reveals the often conflicted partnership between Allen and Gates, and how — when Allen was recovering from cancer — Gates unsuccessfully conspired to dilute Allen’s 36 percent share of Microsoft. Idea Man also explores Allen's business and creative ventures following his 1983 departure from Microsoft, including his involvement in SpaceShipOne, his purchase of the Portland Trailblazers and Seattle Seahawks, his passion for music, and his ongoing support for scientific research.
Described by critics as candid, profound and incendiary, Idea Man is a true story of ambition and ideas made real.
Reviews
The Guardian: “There's an important lesson here that has subsequently been airbrushed out of the Microsoft legend: Allen's contributions to the partnership were as critical as Gates's. Without the tools that he developed, and his insight into the infrastructure that software development requires, Microsoft's subsequent growth would have been impossible.”
Kirkus Review: ..."surprisingly profound and refreshingly frank."
USA Today: “…complete and candid…”
The New York Times: “The book reads well.”