Steve Jobs
- First published 2011
- 737 pages
- Spanish
Based on more than forty interviews with Steve Jobs conducted over two years, as well as interviews with more than one hundred family members, friends, adversaries, and colleagues, this is the definitive account of the Apple co-founder's life. Jobs requested this biography but sought no control over its content, not even the right to read it before publication. He encouraged those interviewed to speak honestly, resulting in an unvarnished and riveting story of a creative entrepreneur whose intense personality and passion for perfection revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing.
At a time when societies across the world are trying to build innovative economies, Jobs stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. He knew that the best way to create value in the twenty-first century was to connect creativity with technology, building a company where leaps of the imagination were combined with remarkable feats of engineering. His is a story filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values that is both instructive and cautionary, revealing the man who shaped the digital age.
At a time when societies across the world are trying to build innovative economies, Jobs stands as the ultimate icon of inventiveness and applied imagination. He knew that the best way to create value in the twenty-first century was to connect creativity with technology, building a company where leaps of the imagination were combined with remarkable feats of engineering. His is a story filled with lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values that is both instructive and cautionary, revealing the man who shaped the digital age.
What readers say
4.16
1.4M ratings across the web 8 in 10 readers loved it, 1 didn't like it
Walter Isaacson's biography of Steve Jobs is widely praised for its comprehensive and engaging portrayal of a highly influential figure. Reviewers consistently highlight the book's ability to present a compelling subject through an equally captivating narrative. Isaacson's writing style is described as informative, riveting, and easy to read, successfully constructing a story rather than just listing facts, and making the complex world of technology accessible to all readers. The book is commended for its thorough research and the balanced, realistic picture it paints of Jobs, exploring both his extraordinary vision and his profound flaws without resorting to hero worship or defaming his character. Many find it insightful into Jobs' relentless pursuit of perfection, his innovative spirit in blending technology with the liberal arts, and his unique ability to inspire teams to achieve what seemed impossible.
Despite its strengths, the biography also draws criticism, primarily regarding Steve Jobs' difficult personality and the author's portrayal of it. Numerous reviewers describe Jobs as an "asshat," "jerk," "narcissist," and even a "sociopath," citing his cruel treatment of employees, partners, and family, his vindictive nature, and his petulant demands. Some feel that Isaacson occasionally adopts an apologetic tone, implying that Jobs' negative traits were necessary for his genius, which can be off-putting. A significant point of contention for some is the perceived lack of depth regarding Jobs' early life and family dynamics, and a notable omission regarding the crucial role of his company NeXT in Apple's eventual resurgence, which some argue is a "gaping hole" in the narrative.
Overall, this biography is highly recommended for anyone interested in influential people, the history of technology, or the inner workings of a visionary mind. It offers a detailed, unvarnished look at a man who revolutionized multiple industries, making it a valuable read for aspiring entrepreneurs and those curious about leadership, innovation, and the intersection of art and technology. However, readers should be prepared to confront Jobs' deeply flawed character, and those who prefer an idealized view of him or are staunch critics of Apple might find the book's presentation of his negative traits challenging.
Despite its strengths, the biography also draws criticism, primarily regarding Steve Jobs' difficult personality and the author's portrayal of it. Numerous reviewers describe Jobs as an "asshat," "jerk," "narcissist," and even a "sociopath," citing his cruel treatment of employees, partners, and family, his vindictive nature, and his petulant demands. Some feel that Isaacson occasionally adopts an apologetic tone, implying that Jobs' negative traits were necessary for his genius, which can be off-putting. A significant point of contention for some is the perceived lack of depth regarding Jobs' early life and family dynamics, and a notable omission regarding the crucial role of his company NeXT in Apple's eventual resurgence, which some argue is a "gaping hole" in the narrative.
Overall, this biography is highly recommended for anyone interested in influential people, the history of technology, or the inner workings of a visionary mind. It offers a detailed, unvarnished look at a man who revolutionized multiple industries, making it a valuable read for aspiring entrepreneurs and those curious about leadership, innovation, and the intersection of art and technology. However, readers should be prepared to confront Jobs' deeply flawed character, and those who prefer an idealized view of him or are staunch critics of Apple might find the book's presentation of his negative traits challenging.
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Details & editions
- This edition
- Debolsillo, 2019
- ISBN
- 9788499897318
- ISBN-10
- 8499897312
- Language
- Spanish
Original edition Steve Jobs Originally published in 2011 · Czech · Prah
