Publication Date:September 29, 2008 Availability:Usually ships in 1-2 business days Shipping:International shipping available Condition:Brand new item. Over 3.5 million customers served. Order now. Selling online since 1995. Order with confidence. Code: A20081204114439W
Product Description Here is THE book recounting the life and times of one of the most respected men in the world, Warren Buffett. The legendary Omaha investor has never written a memoir, but now he has allowed one writer, Alice Schroeder, unprecedented access to explore directly with him and with those closest to him his work, opinions, struggles, triumphs, follies, and wisdom. The result is the personally revealing and complete biography of the man known everywhere as “The Oracle of Omaha.”
Although the media track him constantly, Buffett himself has never told his full life story. His reality is private, especially by celebrity standards. Indeed, while the homespun persona that the public sees is true as far as it goes, it goes only so far. Warren Buffett is an array of paradoxes. He set out to prove that nice guys can finish first. Over the years he treated his investors as partners, acted as their steward, and championed honesty as an investor, CEO, board member, essayist, and speaker. At the same time he became the world’s richest man, all from the modest Omaha headquarters of his company Berkshire Hathaway. None of this fits the term “simple.”
When Alice Schroeder met Warren Buffett she was an insurance industry analyst and a gifted writer known for her keen perception and business acumen. Her writings on finance impressed him, and as she came to know him she realized that while much had been written on the subject of his investing style, no one had moved beyond that to explore his larger philosophy, which is bound up in a complex personality and the details of his life. Out of this came his decision to cooperate with her on the book about himself that he would never write.
Never before has Buffett spent countless hours responding to a writer’s questions, talking, giving complete access to his wife, children, friends, and business associates—opening his files, recalling his childhood. It was an act of courage, as The Snowball makes immensely clear. Being human, his own life, like most lives, has been a mix of strengths and frailties. Yet notable though his wealth may be, Buffett’s legacy will not be his ranking on the scorecard of wealth; it will be his principles and ideas that have enriched people’s lives. This book tells you why Warren Buffett is the most fascinating American success story of our time.
An Oracle about the Oracle of OmahaDecember 4, 2008 Alice Schroeder has written a classic that will be the definitive work in revealing the life and character of a very complex man. Not just for students of investment, this book is motivating and inspirational for students of life.
Most books written about Warren Buffett explain how he amassed such wealth; primarily writing about business relationships. Alice Schroeder has uncovered many personal details previously not known, which answers the "why" in many of Buffett's actions.
Although the book is extensive, it was necessary to encompass such a large scope. Alice Shroeder's writing is relaxed and communicates clearly making this book a pleasure to read.
After reading The Snowball, I am surprised to know why Buffett wants to leave one of the largest legacies in the history of mankind. I am truly inspired by his actions and am in awe of his character. He is an incredible example of a life well lived.
Fabulous insight into a very interesting man.December 3, 2008 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I'm devouring this enormous book so fast that I'm getting a "Snowball Headache" LOL His approach to investing is well displayed in the book and fun to watch develop over time as he moves from selling newspapers and used golf balls to become an icon in the world of finance. His life, and the colorful group of people who have been part of his story, make for a great read. Thank you Alice Schroeder for giving us this glimpse into the man and his methods.
The SnowballDecember 3, 2008 0 out of 3 found this review helpful
hile the book is a good read the Kindle edition does not support your ability toview the many footnotes until you get to the end of the book. Kindle dropped the ball on this one by not enabling the ability to do so. The first letter of my first sentence is a W. Kindle does not make provisions for me to go back and make corrections.
An amazingly ordinary manDecember 3, 2008 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This book gives insight to debunk any myth that weathly peoples lives are any different. Warren I feel for you, you're just better than everyone at seeing how simple the abstract of making money can be and how complex human relations are, money can never buy the deep richness of a real relationship. When people are real/human, money doesn't matter.
The best about the BestDecember 2, 2008 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Love the way in is written and got so much insight to a great man. Focus.
