The Maverick: Dispatches from an unrepentant capitalist

by Luke Johnson

For eight years between 1998 and 2006, Luke Johnson wrote a regular column as 'The Maverick' in The Sunday Telegraph. His short, pithy essays tackled subjects ranging from rich lists to bankrupt companies, from high finance to investment techniques, from philanthropy to trophy wives, bringing a practitioner's eye to the commercial world and the people in it. The Maverick quickly developed a cult following among readers who wanted to understand the blunt truth about investment, entrepreneurs, business history, and corporate life. This book brings together 84 of the best articles, with updates, in a single volume. What makes them unique is that Luke Johnson is not just a first-class writer, he is also one of Britain's most successful entrepreneurs. He made his name with PizzaExpress, has run and owned businesses in many different sectors, and now takes stakes in fast-growing businesses through his company, Risk Capital Partners. He is also Chairman of Channel 4. The diversity of his experience enables him to write with insight and perspective about the very serious matter of making and losing money. If you are in business, you will find The Maverick entertaining, informative and inspiring. If you are not in business, you will discover what makes business people tick, the hurdles they have to overcome to succeed, and the substantial benefits they bring to society. www.lukejohnson.org

266 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2007

Reviews

[Linda Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This excellent little book is a collection of Luke Johnson's column "The Maverick" in The Sunday Telegraph, which he penned from 1998 to 2006. This anthology of essays, later compiled and published by Harriman House in 2007, offers readers a deep dive into Johnson's sharp, insightful commentary on a broad spectrum of topics.

Johnson's essays are characterized by their brevity and wit, yet they pack a powerful punch, dissecting complex business phenomena with precision and clarity. His advocacy for free markets and free trade shines through his writing, reflecting his belief in the power of lightly regulated markets to foster innovation, drive economic growth, and enhance consumer choice. This perspective is not only informed by his extensive experience in the business world, where he has successfully navigated the ups and downs of various sectors.

"The Maverick" quickly garnered a cult following among readers keen on understanding the blunt realities of investment, entrepreneurship, business history, and corporate life. Johnson's firsthand experience in transforming businesses, from Pizza Express to Channel 4, lends authenticity and depth to his arguments, making his columns not just theoretical musings but practical guides informed by real-world successes and failures.

What sets Johnson's writing apart is his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, engaging narratives. He tackles subjects ranging from the intricacies of high finance and investment techniques to the societal impacts of philanthropy and the dynamics of corporate life. His essays serve as a primer on the virtues of capitalism, advocating for a system that rewards innovation, merit, and hard work. Johnson further advocates for ethical considerations and social responsibility in the pursuit of profit.

Definitely recommend reading The Maverick. It's more than just a collection of essays; it is a rich tapestry of insights, anecdotes, and analyses that celebrate the spirit of entrepreneurship and the virtues of free markets. Johnson's writing not only educates but also inspires, making it a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of business, economics, and society.