George Soros was once described as "the only private citizen [of the U.S.] who has his own foreign policy." In this penetrating biography, Michael Kaufman explores the multifaceted life of a man who instead describes himself as "a financial, philanthropic, and philosophical speculator."

Like Intel chairman Andrew Grove, whose memoir Swimming Across touches on some of the same territory, Soros grew up as the scion of a Hungarian Jewish family, many of whose members did not survive the Holocaust. Inclined toward philosophy (a field in which he sometimes writes even today, though many philosophers wish he would not), Soros escaped to England, and later America, and put his sharp mind to work making a huge fortune. Not content to live a leisurely or unexamined life, Soros put more than $1 billion to use in bettering the lives of citizens of formerly totalitarian regimes--and even in hastening the end of dictatorships around the world.

Former New York Times columnist Kaufman delivers a respectful account, closeted skeletons and all, of Soros's life and work, and his book will interest a wide range of readers. --Gregory McNamee --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

What makes George Soros such a fascinating topic for biographers? The year 1995 saw Robert Slater's Soros: The Life, Times and Trading Secrets of the World's Greatest Investor and Soros's own Soros on Soros, written with Byron Wien and Krisztina Koenan. Now Kaufman, a former New York Times award-winning reporter, foreign correspondent, and editor, documents the life of this successful but controversial figure, drawing on unpublished manuscripts and interviews with Soros, his family, and acquaintances. The result is this wide-ranging and absorbing book. Although the work covers the full spectrum of Soros's activities, the recurring theme is of Soros the person and his never-ending pursuit of universal truths. Despite his achievements as a remarkable money manager and generous philanthropist, Soros's lifelong dream was to become a noted philosopher. Leaving his home in Budapest at 14, he eventually became a Wall Street maverick and made billions so that he could give it away. Soros has used his wealth to create a network of Open Society foundations in Eastern and Central Europe and the former Soviet Union to foster democratic institutions. More recently, he has expanded his philanthropic network to the United States, focusing on various social issues. This comprehensive biography is a good selection for business collections. Bellinda Wise, Nassau Community Coll. Lib., Garden City, NY

Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

This biography of one of the world's most famous speculators is by a veteran New York Times journalist. George Soros, the famous financier and philanthropist, came from Jewish Hungarian roots. He was born "Schwartz," but his father changed the family name to create a secret identity and escape Hungary during the war. The young Soros had a powerful intellect but was an average student at best. Early on, however, he showed an intuitive genius for arbitrage deals--uncovering hidden values and market inconsistencies and quickly profiting from them. In the U.S., his success with foreign market arbitrage was phenomenal and led to the development of the Quantum fund, which is the model for the hedge fund. He originally disdained charity, but his financial aid and policy initiatives to numerous foreign countries led to his nomination for the Nobel Prize. Soros' Open Society Fund has given humanitarian aid and support for human rights to Hungary, China, Russia, and Afghanistan. Kaufman's account is a nice balance of the personal and professional sides of Soros. David Siegfried

Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

?A fascinating account of one of the great men of our times.? ?The New York Times Book Review

?Masterly . . . [Kaufman] is a likable and intelligent narrator who writes with both insight and compassion.? ?The Washington Post Book World

?A flinty-eyed exposition of a brilliant capitalist, devoted provocateur, and accidental humanitarian. You come away believing it is possible to be a really rich man and a really good man after all.? ?The New York Times

?Kaufman excels at dissecting and explaining Soros's psychological makeup.? ?Salon

?Kaufman?s biography of Soros meets a higher truth standard than most . . . A compelling narrative notable for its candor and breadth.? ?The Plain Dealer

?What?s memorable about Kaufman?s biography is its exploration of Soros as a man who satisfied his contemplative side not by making money but by finding visionary ways to spend it.? ?Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

?The enthralling story of an extraordinary individual. . . . Rewarding reading on several levels?as an adventure story, as food for serious philosophical speculation, and as a peek into the world of high financial wheeling and dealing.? ?Fort Worth Star-Telegram

?Surprisingly even-handed. . . . A thoughtful analysis on the complex intersection of wealth and compassion.??Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

?Engaging. . . .To call Soros complex is an understatement. . . . Clearly written and thoroughly researched.? ?San José Mercury News

?A fascinating book about an exceedingly complicated and competitive man.? ?The Jewish Advocate

-- Review

“A fascinating account of one of the great men of our times.” –The New York Times Book Review

“Masterly . . . [Kaufman] is a likable and intelligent narrator who writes with both insight and compassion.” –The Washington Post Book World

“A flinty-eyed exposition of a brilliant capitalist, devoted provocateur, and accidental humanitarian. You come away believing it is possible to be a really rich man and a really good man after all.” –The New York Times

“Kaufman excels at dissecting and explaining Soros's psychological makeup.” –Salon

“Kaufman’s biography of Soros meets a higher truth standard than most . . . A compelling narrative notable for its candor and breadth.” –The Plain Dealer

“What’s memorable about Kaufman’s biography is its exploration of Soros as a man who satisfied his contemplative side not by making money but by finding visionary ways to spend it.” –Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

“The enthralling story of an extraordinary individual. . . . Rewarding reading on several levels–as an adventure story, as food for serious philosophical speculation, and as a peek into the world of high financial wheeling and dealing.” –Fort Worth Star-Telegram

“Surprisingly even-handed. . . . A thoughtful analysis on the complex intersection of wealth and compassion.”–Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“Engaging. . . .To call Soros complex is an understatement. . . . Clearly written and thoroughly researched.” –San José Mercury News

“A fascinating book about an exceedingly complicated and competitive man.” –The Jewish Advocate

Michael T. Kaufman spent close to forty years at the New York Times as a reporter, foreign correspondent, columnist, and editor. He has won the George Polk Award for foreign reporting and has received a Guggenheim scholarship. This is his sixth book. Born in Paris, he lives in Manhattan with his wife.