The Most Offending Soul Alive: Tom Harrisson and His Remarkable Life

by Judith M. Heimann

An English eccentric and adventurer, Tom Harrisson (1911-1976) sought knowledge and renown in a dizzying number of fields, while breaking most of the rules of civilized society. He was a precursor in the field of modern market research; he won the DSO for his World War II service in Borneo; he led efforts to save the orangutan, the green sea turtle, and other endangered species; he discovered the oldest modern human skull known at the time. This hugely enjoyable story of Harrisson's extravagant, controversial life offers a sympathetic and insightful look at a charismatic figure who offended as many people as he impressed at the twilight of colonialism on the fringes of the British empire.

Genres: Biography

468 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1999

Reviews

[Leonard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A deeply researched and engagingly written and generally sympathetic biography of a very ... different ... sort of guy. Brilliant and innovative in his way, but the title says it all. If the book has a flaw, it's that author tends to give Tom the benefit of the doubt in several cases where his behavior really was objectively execrable, including his treatment of women in general and his wives in particular. The book came out in 1997; a biography written today would probably take a view of the man closer to that of his contemporary detractors. Definitely worth reading in any case.

[Marcus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very thorough, engaging and unsparing in detailing an extraordinary and difficult person and his life. A wealth of adventure stories, personal insights, character flaws and towering achievements. Inspiring and cautionary.

[Clive · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely standout biography of a brilliant, obnoxious and daring man and his extraordinarily rich and diverse career in ornithology, anthropology, mass observation, combat, filmmaking, museology….

[Stephanie Keenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very readable account of a fascinating character.

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting life including time in Borneo during World war II,conservation of sea turtles and orang-utangs and a polar expedition.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Complicated narrative, complicated relationships. Interesting story.

[Fergal Quinn · Rating 4 out of 5]

incredible life, well presented here

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting guy but I wouldn't have been able to work with him.