Idea Man

A Memoir by the Cofounder of Microsoft

By: Paul Allen

Narrated by: Sean Runnette

Length: 12 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

By his early 30s, Paul Allen was a world-famous billionaire - and that was just the beginning.

In 2007 and 2008, Time named Paul Allen, the cofounder of Microsoft, one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since he made his fortune, his impact has been felt in science, technology, business, medicine, sports, music, and philanthropy. His passion, curiosity, and intellectual rigor - combined with the resources to launch and support new initiatives - have literally changed the world.

In 2009 Allen discovered that he had lymphoma, lending urgency to his desire to share his story for the first time. In this classic memoir, Allen explains how he has solved problems, what he's learned from his many endeavors - both the triumphs and the failures - and his compelling vision for the future. He reflects candidly on an extraordinary life.

The book also features previously untold stories about everything from the true origins of Microsoft to Allen's role in the dawn of private space travel (with SpaceShipOne) and in discoveries at the frontiers of brain science. With honesty, humor, and insight, Allen tells the story of a life of ideas made real.

©2011 Paul Allen (P)2011 Penguin

Good inspirational book.

Paul Allen tell his story of his life before and after Microsoft. it's a very inspirational book that shows not only what to do but what not to do in business and in life.

The part about Microsoft is good

Any additional comments?

Great account of Microsoft's early years. Too bad it is only a third of the book. The rest is about Allen's other activities, which are not so interesting.

More than just Microsoft

If you could sum up Idea Man in three words, what would they be?

Empathetic, insightful, intriguing

What did you like best about this story?

It was more than just Microsoft. It gave you insight into what seemed like the human side of Microsoft as well as other parts of Paul Allen's life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

...more than code.

Any additional comments?

A good read to learn about the cofounder of Microsoft and many other companies, foundations, and ideas.

Would rate 6 stars if I could

I may be a little bit biased because I am both a programmer and a huge NBA fan. It felt like the book was written specifically for me. I loved the deep dives into how they made all the different technology work at Microsoft, learning about the history of computing, and especially the behind the scenes of what it’s like buying and running NBA team. The narration was fantastic as well. I only wish I read this while Paul Allen was still living (may he Rest In Peace)

I love this book.

I truly loved every minute of this book. It held my interest every step of the way. When was finished I wanted more, so I've been searching for other books written by Paul Allen.

It's great to hear the entire story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

In the past, nearly every book about Microsoft was focused on Bill Gates and completely neglected Paul Allen. Hearing Paul Allen's story makes both sides of the story even more interesting. It's definitely worth the listen.

Have you listened to any of Sean Runnette’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Sean is a pleasure to listen to and he does a great job. I first heard his voice with Tyler Hamilton's book and was pleased to hear it again for this book.

an interesting journey

Two part book. First, an inside look at the journey of a curious kid from his days mixing household chemicals in the basement through his co-founding and eventual departure from Microsoft. Second, a primer on how not to go shopping after hitting the jackpot.
Sadly, no mention of the egregious "patent troll" behavior by Vulcan, especially on small and growing tech start-ups.

Paul Allen was a visionary

I live in Seattle we knew Paul Allen owned the Seahawks and Blazer and was Co-founder of Microsoft. however after listening to this book I believe Mr Allen was an extraordinary visionary. More so than Bill Gates and Steve Jobs. he just did it without the spotlight. I believe after listening to this book you will agree.

Fascinating to hear this "inside" viewpoint

The man behind the many achievements finally gets to tell his version! Glad I read it.

jesus h christ...

can't believe it took me this long to finally read this. worth every minute.