Are three times a fluke?
Jeffrey S. Young and William L. Simon don't think so. Writing iCon Steve Jobs, they explore Steve Jobs' ascendancy in three highly competitive fields: computers (Apple), movies (Pixar), and music (iPod/iTunes).
While it's true that these fields overlap, it is beyond legitimate cavil that Jobs has shaped these fields. For that multifaceted achievement, one must be impressed. The authors are. However, they cannot decide if Jobs is a positive figure.
The book alternates between laudatory language that would make some publicists blush, and punishing portrayals. However, this dichotomous mode carries their message of contradiction. They argue that Jobs is that oxymoron—a selfless humanitarian and a self-involved, ruthless leader.
This two-faced portrait is foreshadowed in the title. Through creative capitalization, "iCon" carries a double meaning (especially when viewed in the context of the pages that follow). Is Jobs a business icon who has achieved the "Greatest Second Act in the History of Business"? Or, is the small "i" to distinguish it from the "con" so that they are a personal pronoun and verb in the context of an "act"?
After reading the text, I can't decide the authors' ultimate conclusion. They appear content to let both images linger.
Edited, Pub: PC
Article comments
1 - billgates
i dont like this book its put bill gates in negative light.the author is sarcastic with microsoft.here jobs is proclaimed as a king which is shit and some facts are hyped like apple ipo and paul allen is referred as sidekick of paul allen which is shit
2 - raj
the name of the book iCon because apple brings its product in this format, iPhone,iPod,iTunes, iCal.
this is really a disgusting review.......
3 - Richard
Raj,
You've missed the point. Everyone knows why the "i" format is used. The issue is why did the authors follow it with "Con"? You're comment sheds no light whatsoever.
4 - Richard
*Your
5 - Jordan
The i stands for iPod, iTunes, iCal ect, and the Con makes it sound like icon, and Steve Jobs is an icon, not only in the business world.