Andy Grove: The Life and Times of an American

This biography on Andy Grove seeks to answer only one question: How does Andy Grove think? Fortunately the author had access to all the notes that Andy Grove maintained through out his career. He also has access to Intel's reports. Besides, Andy Grove instead has penned many books, including an autobiography, Swimming Across: A Memoir. There are numerous articles on Andy Grove. The author also talked to a lot many people to get an insight into Andy's mind. So all one needs to do is piece together all these sources and come up with a tome that is 567 pages thick. Simple :-)

To understand how Andy Grove thinks, the author traces Andy's difficult childhood under the dark clouds of Nazi Germany and, subsequently, Communist Russia, his escape from Hungary, his arrival in America, and his career at Fairchild and Intel. The story of Andy's life in and his escape from Hungary is as gripping as any well written thriller. Andy's career is painstakingly recreated. Intel's interaction with IBM and Microsoft is well documented. His decisions are clinically analyzed.

Apart from Andy's childhood and his brush with cancer, the book largely confines itself to Andy's public life. So you do not get to know much about Andy's family life (there are hints here and there, but that's about all). This is deliberate.

The book succeeds in its mission in understanding Andy Grove.

Style: Initial part gripping. The bulk of the book is very detailed and could make for laborious reading. At times the author tends to dumb down information and this could be a little irritating; but these are minor blemishes. Andy's mind is very well analyzed. And there in lies the success of the book.

Knowledge content: Lots and lots of information on Intel and those 'heady silicon years'.

Applicability: Management and decisions are contextual. So while it is good to know how Andy thinks, I would refrain from using his style of management and leadership. A take away is the great practice of keeping notes. It slows you down and helps you collect your thoughts.

Recommendation: Anyone who is interested in managing high technology companies or working in one should read this book. Or if you are interested in Andy Grove.