Rupert Murdoch, media mogul and global celebrity billionaire, is well-known for his impulsive actions and enormous deals. Prior to his recent takeover of the Dow Jones, Murdoch spent years working to... This description may be from another edition of this product.
Well reported and very enjoyable, especially for those of us who've read Shawcross' biography
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
I'm a bit taken aback to be the first reviewer weighing in on this book, given its prominent placing in the business section of nationwide booksellers. For fans of business journalism, Bruce Dover's effort is well-worth your time. In the Murdoch oeuvre, William Shawcross' biography Murdoch is surely the master work. Dover refers to it no less than than half a dozen times. But Dover's effort is a sterling companion piece though it can surely be read on its own as well. We get brilliantly reported fly on the wall stuff by the man who was the chief's Biz Dev guy in China from 1992 - 1999. Not only does Dover report on Murdoch's repeated efforts to break open the China market, he's also giving you a very nuanced and informed take on the machinations of the Chinese Politburo. The best parts are the passages about Wendi Deng. Dover, it turns out, did the initial introductions of the two, circa June 1997 - 'As an introduction, it was pretty straightforward: "Murdoch, this is Wendi Deng. Wendi is working with us in Business Development in China." Wendi...was tall, attractive, intelligent, vivacious and confident, and immediately had the Chief Executive's full attention.' And how! It gets better from there. Great stuff. Notably, this is not the tale of an executive scorned. Dover's admiration of Murdoch is evident. Murdoch's strong work ethic (that's an understatement), direct manner, lack of airs and uncanny business sense are all noted here.
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