Bill Gates (A & E Biography (Lerner Paperback)) [Paperback]

Jeanne M. Lesinski (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-7-A short, easy-to-read biography of one of the world's richest men. The begin- ning chapter outlines Gates's childhood, and includes interesting anecdotes about early signs of competition and genius, while some people thought he was an underachiever. The book focuses on his many professional accomplishments as well as the issues and controversies that he faced throughout his career. Although he emerges as an influential person, Lesinski clearly explains the criticisms lobbed at Microsoft. She is objective about the controversies surrounding her subject, carefully presenting both sides. The book covers Gates's life up to January, 2000, and includes his philanthropic endeavors. Short enough to appeal to reluctant readers, it is dotted with black-and-white and full-color photos that add interest to the text. Aaron Boyd's Smart Money: The Story of Bill Gates (Morgan Reynolds, 1995) is less visually appealing and not as up to date.
Sandra L. Doggett, Urbana High School, Ijamsville, MD
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
  
• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lerner Publications (August 18, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 082259689X
• ISBN-13: 978-0822596899
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.9 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #511,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > People, A-Z > ( G ) > Gates, Bill

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent read., April 15, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Bill Gates (A & E Biography (Lerner Paperback)) (Paperback)

A & E produces a daily Biography show about famous people in all categories, this book is based on that series. Bill Gates is more than a story about the richest man in the world, is an accounting of where this fame and fortune came from and the vision of the future of the software giant.

While the book is only about 100 pages there is enough information about Gates' roots, his ride to the top of the software industry and his recent battles with the Justice department to give this reader a new look into the man himself.

The author gives you pictures from early childhood to his start with Microsoft in Albuquerque to his work with the Bill Gates Library Foundation. I must admit most of the photos have already been seen, however they're a few new and interesting ones, especially his new house.

I personally liked the way the author put together the story, not running over of boring you with details in any one are. The storyline flows from start to finish. Granted there is a lot more that could have gone into the book, however this one was an excellent read.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars One of the Worst, December 18, 2004

By 

D. Kapoor (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bill Gates (A & E Biography (Lerner Paperback)) (Paperback)

I bought this book because its on Bill Gates, and was I disappointed or what? The style of writting is very bad, and suits a small article not a book. It is not a biography at all, but an absurd trick to cash in on Bill Gates' Name.
You are much better off reading other books on Microsoft and Bill Gates, which go into at least some details on the events of both the company and the man himself. This book was more like a brief news item.

For me it was a waste of money. The only reason I am giving it a one star is because I cannot give it any less.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Wealthy Genius, May 5, 2006

By 

Elijah Chingosho "Dr Elijah Chingosho" (Nairobi, Kenya) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bill Gates (A & E Biography (Lerner Paperback)) (Paperback)

This is an interesting book that shed some light on William Henry Gates. This is a story about the wealthiest individual in the world. Gates is one of the best-known entrepreneurs of the personal computer revolution. He is widely respected in business circles for his intelligence, foresight, and ambition. He is also widely criticized as having built Microsoft's business through unfair, illegal, or anticompetitive business practices. Government authorities in several countries have found some of Microsoft's practices illegal. All this makes the book as interesting read as we learn a lot about this unique individual.

Since amassing his fortune, Gates has pursued a number of charity activities, donating large amounts of money to various charitable organizations and scientific research programmes through the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His donations have been larger than the gross national product of many small and poor countries.

Since Microsoft's founding, Gates has had primary responsibility for Microsoft's product strategy. He has aggressively broadened the company's range of products, and wherever Microsoft has achieved a dominant position he has vigorously defended it. Gates's role at Microsoft for most of its history has been primarily a management and executive role. However, he was an active software developer in the early years, particularly on the company's programming language products.

Gates has not generally engaged in conspicuous consumption beyond his lavish home, with its gardens and art collection. Gates also rents or leases a home on Mustique, an exclusive island in the Grenadines. He owns a 300 foot yacht named Ice. In contrast, his former associate Paul Allen has used his wealth in perhaps a more typical manner; owning sports teams, vintage airplanes, and multiple residences.

This is a good book that should help the reader learn and understand the remarkable life and success of this man.