A review by jeffhall
Idea Man: A Memoir by the Cofounder of Microsoft by Paul Allen
3.0
There's no doubt that Paul Allen led an interesting life, and as a new employee of his organization (Vulcan Inc.), I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more about his motivations in both business and philanthropy.
The early chapters detailing his time at the fledging Microsoft are fascinating, especially since the author does not shy away from documenting his many disappointments with long-time friend and co-conspirator Bill Gates. Somewhat surprisingly, these chapters almost have the pacing of a thriller, as the young company strives to survive in an emerging and competitive market.
After the Microsoft chronicle ends, the remaining chapters are not quite as interesting, although they do document in detail Allen's transition from technologist to investor and philanthropist. Of course, he also devotes many pages to his role as a pro-sports team owner, but there is little in this section that hasn't been written and discussed ad nauseam by other billionaires.
Overall, an interesting life story, even if the narrative becomes less interesting after the fortune is made and the life becomes an odyssey of opulent expenditures!
The early chapters detailing his time at the fledging Microsoft are fascinating, especially since the author does not shy away from documenting his many disappointments with long-time friend and co-conspirator Bill Gates. Somewhat surprisingly, these chapters almost have the pacing of a thriller, as the young company strives to survive in an emerging and competitive market.
After the Microsoft chronicle ends, the remaining chapters are not quite as interesting, although they do document in detail Allen's transition from technologist to investor and philanthropist. Of course, he also devotes many pages to his role as a pro-sports team owner, but there is little in this section that hasn't been written and discussed ad nauseam by other billionaires.
Overall, an interesting life story, even if the narrative becomes less interesting after the fortune is made and the life becomes an odyssey of opulent expenditures!