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The Rise and Rise of Kerry Packer Uncut
"Originally released in 1993 when Packer was still alive"--Provided by publisher.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 7, 2012
Most intriguing biography into the then wealthiest man in Australia. Rise and Rise starts with the story of Kerry's father, Sir Frank Packer, the media tycoon who launched Australia's first non-government public broadcasting company off the back of his newspaper and magazine business. It explores the early days of television, and the growing reliance of politicians upon media moguls like the Packers.
Kerry Packer the man had a gruff exterior and his father's somewhat dictatorial management style, but he also had an intensely human side, which seldom came out due to his very private nature. Paul Barry does a great job of painting a picture, both of Kerry Packer's personality, and of an important slab of Australian history.
Kerry Packer the man had a gruff exterior and his father's somewhat dictatorial management style, but he also had an intensely human side, which seldom came out due to his very private nature. Paul Barry does a great job of painting a picture, both of Kerry Packer's personality, and of an important slab of Australian history.
December 7, 2022
"I don't make friends easily...I've had my fair share of being attacked...when I meet people, I don't expect to like them" - Kerry Packer (1978)
Coming from a country known for its tall-poppy syndrome, Paul Barry's unauthorized but definitive biography of Australian corporate giant (both figuratively and literaly) Kerry Packer's life is a stunning insight into what happens to the poppies that survive the cull and grow to infinity and beyond.
Strengths:
• Meticulous research and quality control of information (obviously to avoid defamation suits) with thorough endnotes.
• Fair and balanced treatment of the subject by a journalist, with both positive and negative perspectives on key events considered.
• Does not force a conclusion down the readers mind, but instead invites them to form their own opinion by posing a series of moral questions about key events in subject life.
Weaknesses:
• Falls into the tall poppy syndrome trap many Anglophone journalists get caught in at times by assuming their is some kind of moral duty on the rich and powerful to "do good" and be "alturistic" when there often exists no such thing.
• Due in part to threat of legal action for defamation, and in part to author writing style, but many narrative sections go into tedious levels of factual description not required for readers to understand the point being made.
• Does somewhat invade the private life of a private citizen by exposing deeply personal "secrets" with the public interest justification being made in a vicarious way (that Packer dealt with public officials) rather than in any direct way (such as Packer owing the public any explanation as a private business owner).
Coming from a country known for its tall-poppy syndrome, Paul Barry's unauthorized but definitive biography of Australian corporate giant (both figuratively and literaly) Kerry Packer's life is a stunning insight into what happens to the poppies that survive the cull and grow to infinity and beyond.
Strengths:
• Meticulous research and quality control of information (obviously to avoid defamation suits) with thorough endnotes.
• Fair and balanced treatment of the subject by a journalist, with both positive and negative perspectives on key events considered.
• Does not force a conclusion down the readers mind, but instead invites them to form their own opinion by posing a series of moral questions about key events in subject life.
Weaknesses:
• Falls into the tall poppy syndrome trap many Anglophone journalists get caught in at times by assuming their is some kind of moral duty on the rich and powerful to "do good" and be "alturistic" when there often exists no such thing.
• Due in part to threat of legal action for defamation, and in part to author writing style, but many narrative sections go into tedious levels of factual description not required for readers to understand the point being made.
• Does somewhat invade the private life of a private citizen by exposing deeply personal "secrets" with the public interest justification being made in a vicarious way (that Packer dealt with public officials) rather than in any direct way (such as Packer owing the public any explanation as a private business owner).
July 28, 2019
I really enjoyed the read.
The Packer family is an iconic/influential part of Australian history from 1900 to present day. 3 generations of packers have shaped the nation, from RC to Kerry.
Newspapers, TV, World Series cricket and more.
Not many liked the Packers but gee, you need to respect them.
From his very tough days as a dyslexic, dunce of a child and despite his severe bout of polio as a 9 year old, Kerry was a giant and hugely successful businessman who proved everyone wrong.
Read hard copy. Considerably long book.
The Packer family is an iconic/influential part of Australian history from 1900 to present day. 3 generations of packers have shaped the nation, from RC to Kerry.
Newspapers, TV, World Series cricket and more.
Not many liked the Packers but gee, you need to respect them.
From his very tough days as a dyslexic, dunce of a child and despite his severe bout of polio as a 9 year old, Kerry was a giant and hugely successful businessman who proved everyone wrong.
Read hard copy. Considerably long book.
March 13, 2021
A reasonably interesting tale of one of Australia’s most successful business dynasties . At times robber barons and yet at critical moments game changing businesses were established . And the story of Kerry’s seminal changes to the game of cricket, with the profit rationale explained , is fascinating . Malcolm Turnbull plays some bit parts too. But overall rather dated and often tediously detailed .
June 23, 2013
Well written bio on rich guy getting richer
March 11, 2014
An somewhat interesting albeit dated insight into Kerry Packer. The depth of content and background was a little tedious at times.
April 5, 2024
I had a terrible job when I was 17, delivering mail for a business in the city. One day I was given a letter to deliver which was addressed to Kerry Packer at his office in Park Street. I hit the streets and walked into the reception area and announced to the reception staff that I needed to deliver this letter to Mr Packer posthaste. The staff just looked at me and said no that wouldn't be necessary, they would pass the letter on. I wish I had been able to meet Packer coz he was a legendary Australian really. A few years later this biography came out and I bought it which surprises me now coz as if it wasn't going to be a dry read. Paul Barry does a great job currently presenting on ABC's Media Watch but this wasn't the most entertaining book I've ever read. Still, I'm not sure if anyone else has bothered to write one about Packer which wasn't just about cricket but who would be interested in reading this in the 2020s? I don't even know why I've bothered to write this pseudo review.
October 21, 2024
I like stories about tycoons. And I like stories about Australian media tycoons the most...
I thought this was a good companion book to 'Breaking News' by Paul Barry, though at times I struggled to understand the more precise details of the book. But that's more of a reflection on me, then the book.
I thought this was a good companion book to 'Breaking News' by Paul Barry, though at times I struggled to understand the more precise details of the book. But that's more of a reflection on me, then the book.
May 19, 2025
A fascinating read into one of Australia's richest families and in particular, Kerry Packer. The author does a fairly good job at remaining unbiased, but you can see the mask beginning to crack towards the end. I think it's safe to say the author has a negative opinion of his subject. One of the best books about him or his family, however.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2016
Very insightful look into one of the richest men Australia has had, who gets treated with disdain as a cruel man by many people when he should be treated with respect. I believe this is an opinion not many will agree with, certainly not the people I said this to after finishing the book.
February 1, 2023
Australian GOAT
October 1, 2024
A real eye opener
Fascinating
Thoroughly researched
Well written
😎👍📚✅
Fascinating
Thoroughly researched
Well written
😎👍📚✅
January 20, 2016
I found this book intriguing. It left me wanting to read more on both the house or Murdoch and the continuation of the family line through James. I think a well written biography. I had expected a Kerry bashing book but found it to be balanced and fair and neither portrayed him as villain nor hero, not as victim or perpetrator.
September 12, 2012
I read the uncut version and thought it gave great insight into why wealth begats wealth. The other insight was that if you believe in something, don't allow the little things get in the way and you will succeed - if that's what you want
June 16, 2017
Very complex guy. Interesting contemporary Australian stuff.
October 15, 2013
Must read - even if you are not into biographies (which I am not) This man was a man among men.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews