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STEVE JOBS
Biography
Walter Isaacson
Published in 2011 by Simon & Schuster
9.3x6.3 inches hardcover
656 pages, 53 b/w photographs
Walter Isaacson’s incredibly candid biography of Apple
founder Steve Jobs is as inspiring as it is revelatory.
Tracing the course of Jobs’ life from childhood to the
weeks before his death, Isaacson delivers compelling
and detailed insights into the legendary entrepreneur.
If one had to describe Jobs in one word, it would
be “uncompromising”. In business, it made him a
visionary. In his personal life, as Isaacson testifies, it
made him a complete asshole at times. His opinions
on product designs, people, and even food were
often polarized as either “the absolute best ever” or
“complete shit”. There was very little gray area in Jobs
mind, and the tangible result of this perfectionist
mentality is most likely sitting on your desk, in your
pocket or purse, or in your ears at this very moment.
Very few designers have affected as many people
in this world as Jobs. And make no mistake, Jobs
was indeed a designer. Though he was rarely able to
fully articulate his visions, he was extremely adept
at curating the expertise around him to produce
unparalleled products. He wanted to change the
world; and in many respects, he did just that.
The most impressive aspect of Issacson’s writing is
his ability to humanize the subject. Jobs could at
times seem larger than life…a well-documented
phenomenon referred to as Steve’s “reality distortion
field”. However, Jobs weaknesses, insecurities, and
the consequences of his mad-scientist lifestyle are on
full display throughout the biography. This glimpse of
the dark side of genius cultivates a genuine empathy
towards Jobs, which leaves the reader feeling less
intimidated by his accomplishments, and more
inspired by his uncompromising determination.
kevin frank [kevin@archilespymagazine.com]
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