Conrad and Lady Black: Dancing on the Edge - Brossura

Bower, Tom

Brossura

ISBN 10: 0007242697 ISBN 13: 9780007242696

Casa editrice: HarperPress, 2006

Riassunto

The riveting tale of how the wannabe aristo Conrad Black and his social mountaineering wife Barbara gulled their way into the City, the Tory party, Wall Street and High Society.

The rise and fall of the media tycoon Conrad Black is rivalled in its spectacular extravagance only by the machinations of his social mountaineering wife, Barbara Amiel. Together their story of overweening ambition and greed is a modern-day classic of hubris.

There is no bolder or better-informed chronicler of the follies of the rich and powerful than Tom Bower. Fearless in the approach which has brought him accolades for his gripping exposés of Robert Maxwell, Tiny Rowland, Mohammed Fayed and Richard Branson, Bower reveals how the Blacks financed a billionaire’s lifestyle and won friends and influence in London and New York.

Born into considerable wealth in Canada, Conrad Black bought and sold (but never effectively managed) several businesses, from mining and tractors to broadcasting companies and newspapers. In 1985 he bought the Telegraph group in London, where very little was known of the controversy over his past financial dealings.

In 1992 he married Barbara Amiel, who later famously said, ‘I have an extravagance that knows no bounds’. Besotted with his wife, he began living way beyond his means. Fabulous parties, jewellery, clothes, private jets and homes followed. In 2003 an independent report in America accused him of ‘outright fraud’, ‘ethical corruption’ and ‘corporate kleptocracy’ – allegations that he will vigorously deny at his trial in Chicago in 2007.

Tom Bower’s book, based on over 150 interviews with bankers, politicians, celebrities, power-brokers and close friends, is packed with intimate revelations. It is a hugely entertaining account of gullibility in high places.

Su questo libro

Recensione:

‘A wonderfully gripping and hilarious book...meticulously researched and written in clear and uncluttered prose devoid of hyperbole...hugely entertaining and revelatory.’ The Sunday Times

‘A unique and valuable force in the British Press: an investigative reporter who sinks into crooks and charlatans...a relentlessly damning account.’ Nicholas Shakespeare, Daily Telegraph

‘A masterly performance.’ Observer

‘An extraordinary tale.’ Independent

‘Bower has assembled a formidable case for the prosecution...skilfully documented.’ Evening Standard

‘A gripping cautionary tale which still awaits its denouement.’ Economist

‘Riveting...once hooked it’s hard to put down.’ Sunday Times

L'autore:

Tom Bower has a distinguished reputation as an investigative historian, broadcaster and journalist and is the author of several ground-breaking books about tycoons. His most recent works are ‘Conrad and Lady Black’, ‘The Squeeze’ and his biographies of Simon Cowell and Bernie Ecclestone. Among his other much-debated biographies are those of Mohammed Fayed, Richard Branson and Robert Maxwell.

Su questa edizione

• Editore: HarperPress
• Data di pubblicazione: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0007242697
• ISBN 13: 9780007242696
• Rilegatura: Copertina flessibile
• Numero di pagine: 448