©1998 Richard Branson; (P)1998 Random House Audiobooks
"Grabs you on page one and never lets go... a rollercoaster ride... read what makes this brilliant and hardworking man tick." (Spectator)
"Candid and humorous." (The Times)
"An incredible man, and this is an incredible autobiography... a great read - sex, balloons, intrigue and money." (Sunday Business)
"Branson has a list of achievements unmatched by any other UK businessman. For anyone burning with entrepreneurial zeal, his reminiscences are akin to a sacred text." (Mail on Sunday)
"A fasinating insight..."
Whether you?re a person who admires him or not, Sir Richard is and continues to be one of Britain?s top business personalities. In this book Richard personally delivers his story from beginning to date. It?s a remarkable insight into the man, and really goes a long way to explaining how things came to be and why. One of the things I find most compelling about the story is the intimacy, the personal elements, at some points you smile, even laugh, and then suddenly you?re right there in the heart of the moment as he describes a crises or personal tragedy.
I?m reminded just why I love self narrated biographies when I listen to this, Sir Richard to me has always been one of the greats, and this book offers a close up personal look at his life and story. It?s not so much about the business itself, but more about Richard, his life, the people around him, and how the events and people close to him empowered him to become the person he has.
A fantastic listen and highly recommended, shall certainly listen to again. If you?re looking to know more about the business and what Richard looks for in a person and the traits that outline Virgin then another title well worth listening to is Richard Branson?s Business Stripped Bare. Which to is an excellent listen and scores 5/5.
"Very Good Read"
All the 'Persona' hype aside, this is still a very worthwhile read, even when he jumps out of the helecopter !! Read by the man himself, anyone who takes on B.A. and wins gets my vote.
Arthur . Australia
"Exciting, insightful and honest"
I was addicted to listening to Richard talk about his life, trials, tribulations, loves and his businesses. It's made me love him for who he is and what he stands for: fun, honesty, hard work and adventure.
I recommend this audiobook very highly. It is exciting from the start, and is very entertaining. I now understand what happened with the record company and with Virgin Atlantic which I was not able to fathom at the time.
It's a stunningly candid listen.
"Pleasantly Surprised"
Not at all what I was expecting. A very intimate account of Mr B's life made all the more poignant because it is read by the man himself. Here is a man who has lived by the seat of his pants! Morally questionable, yes and yet wonderfully honest and down-to-earth. A real emotional rollercoaster where we are mercifuly spared spoonfuls of Virgin PR. For the most part, Richard manages to leave his ego out of the equation and leave us with a well-rounded overview of how he got to where he is. Hugely inspiring to be who we are. I'd like to add, he cooks a very nice pizza :-) Thanks RB.
"Well worth the Credit"
Interesting and inspiring, a must read for all budding entrepreneurs
"Very good book"
Really liked this book learned a lot about Richard and how he grew up and what is life story is about, i laphed and cried during some of the book and very happy i bought it. A++ for this book always keeps your attention throughtout the book.
Very glad i got this book
"A Great Listen"
A great insight into the man and the brand, highs and lows, and some real honest truths
"Good insight"
I downloaded this book because i have always been interested in the Richard Branson story and i have to say i was not disappointed in any way. It gave a very good insight into beginnings, the business etc in a very readable way. I would most certainly recommend this to anyone who may have the slightest interest in the Richard Branson story.
"An Fascinating Insight"
In my experience most autobiographies benefit from being narrated by the author, and this is no different. I thoroughly enjoyed hearing him describe his experiences over the years, and the progress of the Virgin group. There is very little about his early life, however, and what he does relate only really serves as an brief introduction for the real story of the rise of Virgin - which is fascinating. Perhaps it was an uneventful childhood; perhaps he simply doesn't remember enough of it or considers it irrelevant, but most other autobiographies I have read or listened to have described at length the childish experiences that shaped the author into the adult we know today. This is a minor criticism, one of two that spring to mind. The other is that he clearly recorded this in many small sections judging by the difference in sound quality from chapter to chapter. This is not surprising given the demands on his time, but in some passages he descends almost into a monotone, and the usual enthusiasm is strangely absent. I assume these passages were recorded late at night, probably at home after a long day. Those minor gripes aside though, I found this book thoroughly enjoyable and would recommend it to anyone.
"brilliant"
Richard tells his story heart out. He remains humble yet adventurous and never says no to setting new boundaries. Embraces failure and moves forward changing the world. Its a great read and gives you a glimpse into the life of a genius.