Play Audiobook Sample
Idea Man: A Memoir by the Cofounder of Microsoft Audiobook
Play Audiobook Sample
(3.03) - 539 listener ratings
Quick Stats About this Audiobook
Total Audiobook Chapters:
Longest Chapter Length:
Shortest Chapter Length:
Average Chapter Length:
Audiobooks by this Author:
Publisher Description
By his early thirties, 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 hundred 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.
Download and start listening now!
"Being the same age as Paul Allen it was fascinating to relive events through his eyes. The background of Micro soft was interesting. It is interesting to read about failures from a person who would be considered wildly successful by most measures."
— Rob (4 out of 5 stars)
Idea Man Listener Reviews
-
—
Dominic Lozano, 7/2/2014
-
" Great insights into the hard work, dedication, and focus required to successfully start a business. "
— Kevin, 1/27/2014 -
" He really was behind a lot of the good ideas that started Microsoft and the computer world we know today. "
— Ken, 1/27/2014 -
" The book was interesting in the beginning because I was interested in the early microprocessors of the 1980's and was fascinated with the way Allen and Bill Gates built up Microsoft. After Allen left Microsoft and the book went into other areas of his life, something just not hitting me and making the book interesting. It seemed to be a disconnected series of short stories that shed little light on the details of what was going on. It seems that he has a great passion for many things but it didn't make much of an impression on me. "
— Joe, 1/24/2014 -
" I was most interested in Allen's founding of Microsoft and his interactions with Bill Gates, but he has led a very full life with varied interests (from Jimi Hendrix music museum to space travel) since leaving Microsoft "
— Jennifer, 1/19/2014 -
" Very Good. Need to find some other books on the History of Software Development "
— Ron, 1/18/2014 -
" Interesting look at Bill Gates business partner and his multitude of diverse interests & curiosities. "
— Jason, 12/27/2013 -
" Very interesting read about the co-founder of Microsoft. But as you'll see from the book, Paul Allen is about so much more than Microsoft. "
— Chien, 12/24/2013 -
" Great book, good to know guys there are guys like Paul who are billionaires! "
— Blake, 12/9/2013 -
" Interesting insights into the genesis for his current wide ranging business and philanthropic interests. "
— Alisa, 12/6/2013 -
" Well. After reading the memoir of Paul G. Allen I am quite ambivalent about the guy. I think this book is a tad controversial. Just my opinion of course. I won't say why I am torn. I leave it for you to read. "
— Scooter, 12/1/2013 -
" Memoir of Paul Allen, microsoft founder and gazillionaire. Interesting background about the business, which appealed to my inner geek, but it sure did go on and on about all the ways he could spend his money. On the fence about a rating.... "
— Martha, 11/27/2013 -
" Fascinating memoir by Paul Allen. He is so over-shadowed by Bill Gates, I had no idea about his role in Microsoft and all his activities and passions since he left the company. Interesting read. "
— Karen, 11/17/2013 -
" I enjoyed the first third of this book, during which Allen recounts his friendship with Bill Gates and the early years of Microsoft. Those chapters alone are worth the price - but his subsequent forays into sports team ownership, etc. aren't really much chop. "
— Simon, 9/2/2013 -
" Gives a lot of insight on Paul Allen and his journey to success. Also fascinating stuff on the early days of Microsoft. "
— Phil, 12/3/2012 -
" Interesting account Paul Allen's ideas, founding of Microsoft and other endeavors. "
— Justin, 11/21/2012 -
" I love the first part, but later on I lost interest "
— Ted, 7/6/2012 -
" I never knew much about Paul Allen, and he has an interesting story. He reminds me a lot of Woz from Apple. "
— Ryan, 5/27/2012 -
" Really nothing more than: "This is what I've done in life." "
— Hank, 10/11/2011 -
" Gives a lot of insight on Paul Allen and his journey to success. Also fascinating stuff on the early days of Microsoft. "
— Phil, 5/18/2011 -
" You'll become more sympathetic to Bill Gates than Allen intended. <br/>Was enjoyable, especially the first half. "
— Yukari, 5/10/2011 -
" Great insights into the hard work, dedication, and focus required to successfully start a business. "
— Kevin, 5/7/2011
About Sean Runnette
Sean Runnette, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, has also directed and produced more than two hundred audiobooks, including several Audie Award winners. He is a member of the American Repertory Theater company and has toured the United States and internationally with ART and Mabou Mines. His television and film appearances include Two If by Sea, Cop Land, Sex and the City, Law & Order, the award-winning film Easter, and numerous commercials.