Snowball Warren Buffet's Biography

Format: Hardcover, 976 pages
On Sale: September 29, 2008

ABOUT THIS BOOK
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.

Related Video
Alice Schroeder discusses Warren Buffett and The Snowball


About the Author
Author Alice Schroeder was a noted insurance industry analyst and writer who was a managing director at Morgan Stanley. She first met Warren Buffett when she published research on Berkshire Hathaway; her grasp of the subject and insight so impressed him that he offered her access to his files and to himself. Their friendship and mutual respect make her ideally positioned to write the The Snowball.Ms. Schroeder was born in Texas, and she earned an undergraduate degree and her MBA at the University of Texas at Austin before moving east to work in finance. She is a former CPA and lives in Connecticut with her husband.

The Duchess ' There were three people in her marriage '

Product Description
Review'Mesmerizing' Antonia Fraser, Literary Review 'Well-written, extensively researched and highly readable! Gripping' Stella Tillyard, Mail on Sunday 'An outstanding debut by a young biographer fully in control of her sources, and with an easy and elegant writing style' Roy Strong, Sunday Times 'A pungent, intimate blend of biography and history ... a provocative contribution to our understanding of women of the past.' Jenny Uglow, Independent 'Packed with fascinating information and grippingly good' Lisa Jardine, BBC History magazine 'Real-life glamour, peppered with a menage a trois and a dose of depression ... Curl up and devour it.' Elle 'A gorgeous Whig romp ... [and] a serious, as well as seriously enjoyable historical biography'


Antonia Fraser, Sunday Times

'Excellent and fascinating' Sunday Telegraph 'From this very entertaining account emerges a vibrant picture of late eighteenth-century life and politics, and the portrait of a rare and highly talented woman.' Observer 'A sparkling biography' Marie Claire

'Brilliantly researched, compellingly told, this is biography of the first order' Daily Telegraph Antonia Fraser, Sunday Times`A gorgeous Whig romp ... [and] a serious, as well as seriously enjoyable historical biography'


Marie Claire

`A sparkling biography'

Sunday Telegraph

`Excellent and fascinating'

Observer

`From this very entertaining account emerges a vibrant picture of late eighteenth-century life and politics, and the portrait of a rare and highly talented woman.' 'Has all the ingredients of a popular period drama... portray(ed) with insight and approaches the status of 18th-century women sensitively.'

Times

'the definitive biography of Georgiana Spencer... the weft and the warp of aristocratic Georgian life in all it's glory.'

Product Description

Sex, intrigue and adultery in the world of high politics and huge wealth in late eighteenth-century England. Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, was one of the most flamboyant and influential women of the eighteenth century. The great-great-great-great aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales, she was variously a compulsive gambler, a political savante and operator of the highest order, a drug addict, an adulteress and the darling of the common people. This authoritative, utterly absorbing book presents a mesmerizing picture of a fascinating world of political and sexual intrigues, grand houses, huge parties, glamour and great wealth -- always on the edge of being squandered by the excesses and scandals of individuals. Georgiana's extraordinary life has now been made into a major film - starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes - which is due for release in summer 2008.

Synopsis

Sex, intrigue and adultery in the world of high politics and huge wealth in late eighteenth-century England. Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, was one of the most flamboyant and influential women of the eighteenth century. The great-great-great-great aunt of Diana, Princess of Wales, she was variously a compulsive gambler, a political savante and operator of the highest order, a drug addict, an adulteress and the darling of the common people. This authoritative, utterly absorbing book presents a mesmerizing picture of a fascinating world of political and sexual intrigues, grand houses, huge parties, glamour and great wealth -- always on the edge of being squandered by the excesses and scandals of individuals. Georgiana's extraordinary life has now been made into a major film - starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes - which is due for release in summer 2008.

From the Back Cover

`A FASCINATING PORTRAYAL OF A REMARKABLE WOMAN' Sunday Time
Beautiful, glamorous and charismatic, Georgina, Duchess of Devonshire, was an icon of her age, she was also a compulsive gambler, an influential political operator, a drug addict, a doting mother and an adulteress.
In a world of decadence and excess, of great houses, extravagant parties and sexual intrigue, Georgina, like her descendent, Princess of Wales, was publicly adored but personally troubled. From her complex ménage à trios with her husband and best friend to her vast gambling debts; from her adoration of her children to her passionate but doomed love for Earl Grey, she was a fascinating, contradictory woman whose story still resonates today.

About the Author

Amanda Foreman is the daughter of Carl Foreman (director of High Noon, The Bridge On the River Kwai, Born Free). She was born in 1968, grew up on film sets and is now a research fellow at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. She has written for various publications, including the New York Times.

The No Asshole Rule From Stanford Professor

From Publishers Weekly

This eticulously researched book, which grew from a much buzzed-about article in the Harvard Business Review, puts into plain language an undeniable fact: the modern workplace is beset with assholes. Sutton (Weird Ideas that Work), a professor of management science at Stanford University, argues that assholes—those who deliberately make co-workers feel bad about themselves and who focus their aggression on the less powerful—poison the work environment, decrease productivity, induce qualified employees to quit and therefore are detrimental to businesses, regardless of their individual effectiveness. He also makes the solution plain: they have to go. Direct and punchy, Sutton uses accessible language and a bevy of examples to make his case, providing tests to determine if you are an asshole (and if so, advice for how to self-correct), a how-to guide to surviving environments where assholes freely roam and a carefully calibrated measure, the "Total Cost of Assholes," by which corporations can assess the damage. Although occasionally campy and glib, Sutton's work is sure to generate discussions at watercoolers around the country and deserves influence in corporate hiring and firing strategies. Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.



From AudioFile

Did the HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW really print an article that used the word "asshole" eight times? Apparently so, and from it evolved this audiobook, a handy guide to the domineering bullies found in the workplace, on the sports field, and in government. Turns out that these "kiss up, kick down" individuals don't just ruin our day, they also cost business and government a great deal of time and money. Is there hope? Sutton seems to think so and offers systems, case studies, and ideas for weeding out these unpleasant individuals. The author reads this abridgment in a friendly, informative style, making it one of the stronger business titles this season. R.W.S. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine --This text refers to the Audio CD edition.



From Booklist

We all know them or know of them--the jerks and bullies at work who demean, criticize, and sap the energy of others, usually their underlings. It could be the notorious bad boss or the jealous coworker, but everyone agrees that they make life miserable for their victims and create a hostile and emotionally stifling environment. Fed up with how these creeps treat others and poison the workplace, Sutton declares war and comes out calling them exactly what they are--"certified assholes." Caricatured in sitcoms such as The Office, these brutes are too often tolerated until irreparable damage is done to individuals and the organization as a whole. Sutton's "no asshole rule" puts a stop to the abuse in no uncertain terms. Similar rules have transformed such companies as JetBlue, the Men's Wearhouse, and Google into shining examples of workplaces where positive self-esteem creates a more productive, motivated, and satisfied workforce. If you have ever been a victim, just reading Sutton's analysis brings calm relief, empowerment, and reassurance that you're not alone. David SiegfriedCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.



Product Description

The No Asshole Rule was awarded a Quill Award as the Best Business Book of 2007.

When Robert Sutton's "No Asshole Rule" appeared in the Harvard Business Review, readers of this staid publication were amazed at the outpouring of support for this landmark essay. The idea was based on the notion, as adapted in hugely successful companies like Google and SAS, that employees with malicious intents or negative attitudes destroyed any sort of productive and pleasant working environment, and would hinder the entire operation's success. Now using case studies from these and many more corporations that have had unquestioned success using variations of "The No Asshole Rule," Sutton's book aims to show managers that by hiring mean-spirited employees - regardless of talent - saps energy from everyone who must deal with said new hires. Such insights will come from:- Seattle law firm Perkins Coie, which instituted a "no jerks allowed" policy, helping them earn a spot on Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list.- United States Supreme Court Fellow Robert Clayman, who noticed that "assholes" in the highest branch of government turned a blind eye to initiatives that would curb abusive and violent behavior.- Testimony from a former American Airlines manager about how former CEO Bob Crandall's abusive "tough love" behavior actually caused psychological harm to those he was attempting to motivate.From the AuthorRobert Sutton is Professor of Management Science and Engineering in the Stanford Engineering School, where he is Co-Director of the Center for Work, Technology, an active member of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, and a cofounder of the new Hasso Planter Institute of Design, a multi-disciplinary program at Stanford that teaches and spreads "design thinking." Sutton is also an IDEO Fellow. Sutton studies the links between managerial knowledge and organizational action, innovation, and organizational performance, and has published over 100 articles in academic and applied publications. Sutton is author of Weird Ideas That Work: 11 ½ Practices for Promoting, Managing, and Sustaining Innovation (Free Press, 2002) and co-author (with Jeffrey Pfeffer) of both The Knowing-Doing Gap: How Smart Firms Turn Knowledge Into Action (Harvard Business School Press, 2000 and of Hard Facts, Dangerous Half-Truths, and Total Nonsense: Profiting from Evidence-Based Management (Harvard Business School Press, 2006). --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

About the Author

ROBERT SUTTON is a Professor of Management Science and Engineering at Stanford University.

Human Resource Management by Robert L. Mathis (Author), John H. Jackson (Author)

Product Description

Take the most current look at human resource management and its impact on the success of organizations today with the latest edition of HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT from Mathis/Jackson. Whether you are currently a practicing human resource management professional or plan to use HR knowledge in your career this comprehensive market-leading text has the information you need for ongoing professional success. This authoritative text offers a leading resource for preparation for professional HR certification by providing coverage of all major topics for the PHR and SPHR professional examinations given by the Human Resource Certification Institute (SHRM). This edition effectively blends theory and practice as it highlights the latest trends in human resource today, including strategic HR, employee retention, HR technology, talent management, total rewards, risk management, and workforce demographics changes. An updated research and academic approach with relevant examples demonstrates how HR is contributing to and impacting overall organizational success.. The book's application approach details how emerging trends in technology, globalization, and HR Metrics are driving changes in HR management today. Valuable learning features, from the latest HR headlines to HR Best Practices, add to your knowledge of how current events impact HR and shape success today. This edition's new integrated CengageNOW online learning system helps you efficiently manage and complete course requirements, with personalized study plans that maximize study time as you focus on the areas most challenging for you. The new HR BizFlix video clips from today's feature movies put HR principles in action. Find everything you need to understand the latest transformations in HR today and how HR can contribute to your success, both individually and organizationally, success with Mathis/Jackson's HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, 12E.



About the Author

Professor Emeritus of Management at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), Dr. Robert Mathis was born and raised in Texas. He received his BBA and MBA from Texas Tech University and his PhD in Management and Organization from the University of Colorado. Dr. Mathis has been recognized for his instruction with the University's "Excellence3 in Teaching" award at UNO. Throughout the last 25 years, he has coauthored several books and has published numerous articles covering a variety of topics. On the professional level, Dr. Mathis has held numerous national offices in the Society for Human Resource Management and other professional organizations. He also has served as president of the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) by HRCI. He has extensive consulting experience with organizations of all sizes and within a variety of industries. Dr. Mathis has extensive specialized consulting experience in establishing and revising compensation plans for small and medium-sized firms. Internationally, Dr. Mathis has consulted and trained professionals for organizations in Australia, Lithuania, Romania, Moldova, and Taiwan.Dr. John H. Jackson is Professor of Management at the University of Wyoming. Born in Alaska, he received his BBA and MBA from Texas Tech University. He worked in the telecommunications industry in human resources management for several years before completing his PhD in Management and Organization at the University of Colorado. During his academic career, Dr. Jackson has authored six other college texts and more than 50 articles and papers, including those appearing in ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT REVIEW, JOURNAL OF MANAGEMENT, HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, and HUMAN RESOURCES PLANNING. He has consulted with a variety of organizations on HR and management development matters and served as an expert witness in a number of HR-related cases. At the University of Wyoming, he has served two terms as department head in the Department of Management and Marketing. Dr. Jackson received the university's highest teaching award and has been recognized for his work with two-way interactive television for MBA students. Two Wyoming governors have appointed him to the Wyoming Business Council and the Workforce Development Council. Dr. Jackson serves as president of Silverwood Ranches, Inc.