The Operator: David Geffen Builds, Buys, and Sells the New Hollywood

Well-written and pulls no punches. Initially Geffen cooperated, then he pulled his authorization. It doesn't make you like David Geffen. And it pretty much makes it clear that he walked all over a lot of people, engaged in grudges, was a prick and a whining baby who always got his way. He did some people really dirty, like Steve Ross. Probably the lesson is that this is what you need to do to become a billionaire. Once you're a multi-billionaire, you can dole out your money a few hundred million at a time to burnish your reputation.

Having read the biographies of record label executives such as Ahmet Ertegun and Clive Davis, I'd say this is up there in terms of sophistication. Having read articles and followed Geffens career for awhile now, the book had plenty of information that wasn't in the PBS documentary that I loved. I feel like the personal side of the book opened my eyes to the a type personality Geffen was and how unlikeable he could be at times. All in all I loved this book and anyone interested in the music business and or Hollywood should read this book.

Good quality product.

Pretty good read . Definitely filled with insight from people who know the subject and are afraid to say anything negative about him. However, the author makes up for it by inserting that train of thought himself and paints a clear picture. It ends around 1992 so we can expect a sequel! I hope they add more "how he did this" type of stories rather just saying "he did it"......Big drawback is you can't find it digital. Gotta buy the tree. But its worth the effort.

You have to wonder how a reporter...from The Wall Street Journal, no less, can be so adept at cliche slinging and say so little about character and motivation in so many pages. If you read this book, you'll read it because you already know a little about Geffen and are curious as to how he got where he is. You'll find out about the "how", but you won't find out about the "why". You'll read about Geffen's clever and frequently dishonest deal making, but you won't know why he was compelled , or driven, to do what he did. Instead of providing some analysis of this type, the author seems more concerned in employing cliches such as "catapulted to...." or "rocketed to..." or "shot up the list...." etc. etc... on to the point of annoyance. This is a complex story that should not have been told so simply and, in fact, patronizingly. It gets three stars from me only because it does supply the details. But it annoyed me while I was getting them.

Excellent book. I couldn’t put it down. So well written and thorough. Loved it.

like it, but is free in most libraries !

I read it cover to cover. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I would recommend it to everyone getting into the "business" as they call it.

I once read that unauthorised biographies often get closer to the truth than authorised ones. Unfortunately we the reader are never sure. David Geffen is without a doubt very successful, but according to this book at great cost. It took me only five days to read it, simply because the subject matter was so fascinating that I had to pick it up at every opportunity and continue to read. It focuses on a subject and timescale that is interesting to many of my age group (65 year olds) music, film, television, history, the star maker machine and politics. Well written because, it doesn't get bogged down and the narrative flows. Recommended.

What a guy. What a story. Do watch him on You Tube'

Fantastic book! Such a Machiavellan like character. His ambition and character might not be for everyone but for the ambitious type there is a lot to learn from David Geffen.

Can't put this book down. So interesting!!!

This is one of if not the best books i've ever read.I came across this book as Scooter Braun as Music Manager has said David Geffen is his mentor and after reading this I understand why. This book goes into the life of one of the most successful Music Moguls and Businessmen around.