From the author of the best-selling biographies of Benjamin Franklin and Albert Einstein, this is the exclusive biography of Steve Jobs.
Based on more than 40 interviews with Jobs conducted over two years - as well as interviews with more than a hundred family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues - Walter Isaacson has written a riveting story of the roller-coaster life and searingly intense personality of a creative entrepreneur whose passion for perfection and ferocious drive revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.
At a time when America is seeking ways to sustain its innovative edge, and when societies around the world are trying to build digital-age economies, Jobs stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. He knew that the best way to create value in the 21st century was to connect creativity with technology. He built a company where leaps of the imagination were combined with remarkable feats of engineering.
Although Jobs cooperated with this book, he asked for no control over what was written nor even the right to read it before it was published. He put nothing off-limits. He encouraged the people he knew to speak honestly. And Jobs speaks candidly, sometimes brutally so, about the people he worked with and competed against. His friends, foes, and colleagues provide an unvarnished view of the passions, perfectionism, obsessions, artistry, devilry, and compulsion for control that shaped his approach to business and the innovative products that resulted.
Driven by demons, Jobs could drive those around him to fury and despair. But his personality and products were interrelated, just as Apple's hardware and software tended to be, as if part of an integrated system. His tale is instructive and cautionary, filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values.
©2011 Simon & Schuster (P)2011 Walter Isaacson
"Don't bother with the abridged version"
I think this may be a good book. I can't tell. I chose the abridged version, and it is so terribly edited as to be awful. That is, it feels like whoever did the abridging went in with an axe and whacked away here and there, leaving all the cut edges exposed and bleeding. The result is a story that jumps from topic to topic, with some whole chapters cut down to a few sentences. If I were Steve Jobs, I'd say "this sucks".
Go for the full version; overall, the writing is good and the reader is good and the story seems interesting. It's just too bad the abridgement was so sloppy.
"Good Book... wish I got the unabridged version"
When I ordered this book, I thought "how many hours of Steve Jobs do I need"?
Turns out, I could have used more. Very enjoyable.
"Hooked from beginning to end, loved it."
entertaining, historic, well read
Cleared the rumors and misinformation around Steve Jobs life and work.
Very clear and deep telling of the life and work of Jobs. Couldn't stop reading (listening) once I started, even though work got in the way I would find time to keep going. Changed my perception of him and even Apple. The only drawback I could say is at some chapters it felt like going back and forth, but i'm guessing it was to lay all the information for the next ones.
In general really liked the book and the narration.
"LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!"
Wow! What an amazing book! Steve Jobs is such an inspiration! He makes me want to do the best at everything I do. What a great man!!!!
"Great book"
Reads / hears like a novel! great and definitely recommended
"Steve Jobs - Worth the Read"
It's a good story that explains the evolution of his creativity and leadership.
His statement that the consumer doesn't know what they want. It's up to Apple to tell them.
His early struggles.
No. I found the book interesting from beginning to end.
The performance was well read. It's well written and worth the time invested to enjoy it.
"Tightly written"
This honest, tightly written biography is an important look at the creation of one of America's greatest products.
The humble ramblings of high school geeks in their garage, the story of young love, the culture of the 60's and 70's...interesting background to the iconic giant of today.
The varied voices to give life and power to different characters, including Steve Jobs.
When Steve Jobs rejoined apple and brought the company back from the brink. It symbolized what he stood for, what the company stood for and how the power of habit can be a path to success.
"Worthwhile this abridged version!"
A very interesting book, gave me a good overview on Jobs's thoughts and beliefs. As an IT professional, and an apple (recent) user, it was really worthwhile listening to this audiobook.
"Great book"
Great book that everyone should read.
excellent narration. the voice really brings you in the story
"Brillant Writing and Story"
the growth and challenges of the apple and Steve Jobs really came out in the story
I loved the writing style combined with the powerful story
All great!
Seizing the Days