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Last Stand: Ted Turner's Quest to Save a Troubled Planet
Entrepreneur and media mogul Ted Turner has commanded global attention for his dramatic personality, his founding of CNN, his marriage to Jane Fonda, and his company’s merger with Time Warner. But his green resume has gone largely ignored, even while his role as a pioneering eco-capitalist means more to Turner than any other aspect of his legacy. He currently owns more than two million acres of private land (more than any other individual in America), and his bison herd exceeds 50,000 head, the largest in history. He donated $1 billion to help save the UN, and has recorded dozens of other firsts with regard to wildlife conservation, fighting nukes, and assisting the poor. He calls global warming the most dire threat facing humanity, and says that the tycoons of the future will be minted in the development of green, alternative renewable energy.
Last Stand goes behind the scenes into Turner’s private life, exploring the man’s accomplishments and his motivations, showing the world a fascinating and flawed, fully three-dimensional character. From barnstorming the country with T. Boone Pickens on behalf of green energy to a pivotal night when he considered suicide, Turner is not the man the public believes him to be. Through Turner’s eyes, the reader is asked to consider another way of thinking about the environment, our obligations to help others in need, and the grave challenges threatening the survival of civilization.
Last Stand goes behind the scenes into Turner’s private life, exploring the man’s accomplishments and his motivations, showing the world a fascinating and flawed, fully three-dimensional character. From barnstorming the country with T. Boone Pickens on behalf of green energy to a pivotal night when he considered suicide, Turner is not the man the public believes him to be. Through Turner’s eyes, the reader is asked to consider another way of thinking about the environment, our obligations to help others in need, and the grave challenges threatening the survival of civilization.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2013
20 people are currently reading
218 people want to read
About the author
Todd Wilkinson
43 books6 followersTodd Wilkinson is an American journalist and author proudly trained in the old-school tradition of asking tough questions and pressing for honest answers.
He is the founder of Mountain Journal. Since he began as a violent crime reporter with the legendary City News Bureau of Chicago, Wilkinson’s work has appeared in a wide variety of national publications, ranging from National Geographic and Christian Science Monitor to The Washington Post and many others (on topics of environment, art, culture and business) in-between.
He is the founder of Mountain Journal. Since he began as a violent crime reporter with the legendary City News Bureau of Chicago, Wilkinson’s work has appeared in a wide variety of national publications, ranging from National Geographic and Christian Science Monitor to The Washington Post and many others (on topics of environment, art, culture and business) in-between.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
February 12, 2015
There is no question that Turner is a great man, a great environmentalist and has done an incredible amount of good work that will mark both his name in history and profoundly influence the way land is managed in the western United States....and for the better.
This book however is a hagiography.
Wilkinson's work is well researched and his access to Turner was magnificent. But it is a wholly uncritical work lacking nuance and failing to ask vital question about the role of the uber-wealthy in the how they are influencing land ownership, ecosystem protection and rewilding. The author also seems intent on taking on environmentalists in the trenches doing the hard work to protect landscapes by laying down tropes that havent existed for 20-25 years. Its a real frustration because Wilkinson's first book about the war on science was very excellent.
So while it is an interesting read if you want to know more about Turner, the book has to be taken for waht it is: an unabashed work of adoration for Turner, not really a journalistic work.
Great people shouldnt be treated with kid gloves. A more rounded story is not only more honest but more interesting.
This book however is a hagiography.
Wilkinson's work is well researched and his access to Turner was magnificent. But it is a wholly uncritical work lacking nuance and failing to ask vital question about the role of the uber-wealthy in the how they are influencing land ownership, ecosystem protection and rewilding. The author also seems intent on taking on environmentalists in the trenches doing the hard work to protect landscapes by laying down tropes that havent existed for 20-25 years. Its a real frustration because Wilkinson's first book about the war on science was very excellent.
So while it is an interesting read if you want to know more about Turner, the book has to be taken for waht it is: an unabashed work of adoration for Turner, not really a journalistic work.
Great people shouldnt be treated with kid gloves. A more rounded story is not only more honest but more interesting.
February 28, 2013
Without a doubt Ted Turner is one of the most controversial and complex public figures of our time. In his new "biography" of Citizen Turner journalist and Turner confidant Todd Wilkinson reveals both the well-documented public persona of this important American as well as his much less understood behind-the-scenes life as a major innovator of environmental and international humanitarian and peace initiatives.
We are all familiar with the rise and fall of Turner the media mogul, his much-publicized personal life (marriage to Jane Fonda in particular), and his efforts to acquire massive amounts of land upon which to re-establish the bison and other native species as viable economically as well as environmentally critical assets to our future lives on the planet. Most people, however, are not nearly as aware of the massive impact of Turner on other aspects of conservation of land, threatened species--not the least of which is our own--and international efforts to ban nuclear weapons and aid UN endeavors in any number of critical fields, both through his massive financial support and the sheer power of his ability to begin and maintain personal contacts with so many important people in so many fields. Cousteau, Gorbachev, Clinton are but a few of the major figures whose lives he has intersected with and impacted.
But beyond these more public contributions perhaps Turner's more enduring legacy will be the model he has created, at times almost single-handedly, for the interaction of a new type of capitalist--one who is environmentally, socially, and morally responsive to the idea that with great wealth and success at any level must come a greater responsibility to those who may have been by-passed in some fashion on the way to that success. As I read farther into Wilkinson's thorough and extremely personal revealing of the evolution of both Turner the man and the amazing personal ethic that has characterized the latter half of his life, it became impossible to ignore the conclusion that here is an individual far more deserving of accolades than many who are put forth for doing far less. (The Nobel Prize for Peace should not even be beyond his reach--although he would never personally seek such an honor.) When things seem the bleakest for ourselves or for our planet, Turner would tell us that this is the moment to try harder, because what is the alternative. It should not matter if one is a billionaire or simply a person recommitted to recycling or saving energy by driving a more efficient vehicle. The moral imperative is the same for each of us. As his close friend Tom Brokaw has said: "A great novelist would be hard-challenged to have created a character like him." Indeed.
This review is submitted as a result of receiving an advance copy of this book in a Goodreads firstreads book giveaway.
We are all familiar with the rise and fall of Turner the media mogul, his much-publicized personal life (marriage to Jane Fonda in particular), and his efforts to acquire massive amounts of land upon which to re-establish the bison and other native species as viable economically as well as environmentally critical assets to our future lives on the planet. Most people, however, are not nearly as aware of the massive impact of Turner on other aspects of conservation of land, threatened species--not the least of which is our own--and international efforts to ban nuclear weapons and aid UN endeavors in any number of critical fields, both through his massive financial support and the sheer power of his ability to begin and maintain personal contacts with so many important people in so many fields. Cousteau, Gorbachev, Clinton are but a few of the major figures whose lives he has intersected with and impacted.
But beyond these more public contributions perhaps Turner's more enduring legacy will be the model he has created, at times almost single-handedly, for the interaction of a new type of capitalist--one who is environmentally, socially, and morally responsive to the idea that with great wealth and success at any level must come a greater responsibility to those who may have been by-passed in some fashion on the way to that success. As I read farther into Wilkinson's thorough and extremely personal revealing of the evolution of both Turner the man and the amazing personal ethic that has characterized the latter half of his life, it became impossible to ignore the conclusion that here is an individual far more deserving of accolades than many who are put forth for doing far less. (The Nobel Prize for Peace should not even be beyond his reach--although he would never personally seek such an honor.) When things seem the bleakest for ourselves or for our planet, Turner would tell us that this is the moment to try harder, because what is the alternative. It should not matter if one is a billionaire or simply a person recommitted to recycling or saving energy by driving a more efficient vehicle. The moral imperative is the same for each of us. As his close friend Tom Brokaw has said: "A great novelist would be hard-challenged to have created a character like him." Indeed.
This review is submitted as a result of receiving an advance copy of this book in a Goodreads firstreads book giveaway.
May 13, 2013
This is the choice for 2013's One Book -One Bozeman.
Http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/.... Most know Turner as the genius founder behind CNN. But for Montanans, Turner (and former wife Jane Fonda) have often been controversial ever he purchased the famous Flying D Ranch south of Bozeman and announced his intention to raise bison. For this reason, several years ago I read Turner's autobiography and enjoyed it: it definitely presents the ambitious, brash and colorful Ted Turner. Wilkerson's book offers a look at the now 74 year old Turner and the issues that have taken up much of his time over the past 25 years, especially after the AOL Time-Warner merger. There are fascintating chapters on the evolution and work of Turner's 3 main interests/philanthropic activities: Nuclear Threat Initiative; Endangered Species Fund; and United Nations Fund. It is obvious that a bond exists between Wilkerson and Turner, so that the personal as well as philantrophic Turner emerges. The result for me is increased admiration for a man who truly will leave a remarkable legacy.
Http://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/.... Most know Turner as the genius founder behind CNN. But for Montanans, Turner (and former wife Jane Fonda) have often been controversial ever he purchased the famous Flying D Ranch south of Bozeman and announced his intention to raise bison. For this reason, several years ago I read Turner's autobiography and enjoyed it: it definitely presents the ambitious, brash and colorful Ted Turner. Wilkerson's book offers a look at the now 74 year old Turner and the issues that have taken up much of his time over the past 25 years, especially after the AOL Time-Warner merger. There are fascintating chapters on the evolution and work of Turner's 3 main interests/philanthropic activities: Nuclear Threat Initiative; Endangered Species Fund; and United Nations Fund. It is obvious that a bond exists between Wilkerson and Turner, so that the personal as well as philantrophic Turner emerges. The result for me is increased admiration for a man who truly will leave a remarkable legacy.
June 10, 2013
First of all this well-written book is a puff piece, a self promoting, lightweight piece of work that makes the former Terrible Ted look like an angel. The author and Turner collaborated to make sure that none of Ted Turner's former or current antics were described or mentioned.
With that being said, thank goodness there are billionaires like Turner who give back some of their incredible wealth to worthy causes. Turner has done an incredible job of supporting wildlife and other worthy causes. For that he should be commended and honored.
Major puff piece, but well written and researched. What Ted Turner has done for wildlife is commendable, he could have spent the money on yachts and mansions, but he spent it on restoring the habitat back to its near original state.
Four out of five stars for his efforts towards our wildlife.
With that being said, thank goodness there are billionaires like Turner who give back some of their incredible wealth to worthy causes. Turner has done an incredible job of supporting wildlife and other worthy causes. For that he should be commended and honored.
Major puff piece, but well written and researched. What Ted Turner has done for wildlife is commendable, he could have spent the money on yachts and mansions, but he spent it on restoring the habitat back to its near original state.
Four out of five stars for his efforts towards our wildlife.
February 24, 2013
I was delighted to receive this book as Goodreads giveaway! The author, Todd Wilkinson, takes you thru a journey of the life of Ted Turner the twentieth-century media mogul, whose true quest is to save our troubled planet. Turner indicates in the book that: “True power isn’t in the making of money; it’s how that money is channeled. I truly believe that this defines a great person, when they recognize the true purpose of money.
April 2, 2013
Wilkinson did a great job getting beneath the surface of Turner. When it gets down to it, actions speak louder than words, and looks like Turner is using his wealth for good, even epic causes. Someone of that stature has to take a stand and it looks like Turner is leading the way. Controversial as he may be, I was impressed with his relationship with Jacques Cousteau, one of our great environmentalists. Thanks Ted!
September 5, 2014
First of all I’d like to extend my congratulations to Todd Wilkinson for tackling the unbelievable amount of information and turning it into an entertaining and brilliant book. Secondly I agree with one of the previous reviewers that it helps to have read Ted Turner’s autobiography “Call Me Ted” because that helps to literally “hear” Ted Turner talk - out of this book.
Very cleverly, Todd Wilkinson’s ‘Last Stand: Ted Turner's Quest To Save A Troubled Planet’ uses quotes from others to draw a picture of the man, who has gone from media mogul, sailor, Mouth of the South, and ‘risk taker’ to be instrumental and influential in helping to tackle the greatest risk of all: that our planet will become inhabitable, much faster than it was anticipated only a few decades ago. In doing more than his share, Turner does not confine himself to saving natural habitats and endangered species, but also takes an active role against nuclear threats. He is founder of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), together with Sam Nunn.
Of course, Ted Turner has never been an enigma to anybody, he articulates his opinions, his knowledge, and his passions loudly. Most often he says something profound and occasionally he steps into a puddle.
Wilkinson writes that Beau Turner, Ted’s youngest son, once asked, “Did he say things we wish he wouldn’t have sometimes? Absolutely. Goodness gracious, he once insulted Pope John Paul be making a Polack joke. How many people do you know who have had to make a personal apology to a pontiff?” Wilkinson carries on in his words, “… there is a paradox involved here. How many people have the standing to make headlines by a slip of the tongue, and yet will, if circumstances demand, issue statements of contrition…”
It is this type of writing where Wilkinson’s book excels because in the same paragraph he also proofs his point: That Ted Turner has raised children, who like he himself will not be afraid to speak the truth and carry on.
When Wilkinson describes Ted Turner’s huge estates, his foundations, his goodwill actions, his big plans, the reader has to wonder, “who will take over?” – most likely our environment’s problems won’t get any smaller. Even if Ted Turner lives to see his 100th birthday, which I truly hope, who knows what our environment will be like in 2038? Turner has been influenced by Jared Diamond’s “Collapse” (another fabulous book) thus sees the development of our societies from that perspective.
Throughout the book Wilkinson illustrates Tom Brokaw’s quote:
“A great novelist would be hard-challenged to have invented a character like him”.
Turner and Wilkinson’s excellent cooperation is demonstrated by the amount of content, which Wilkinson devotes to Turner’s efforts to save the prairie dog. It’s important to Turner and Wilkinson tells us why and how. His writing style matches Turner’s style when he quotes Turner: “I know what it means to be an underdog. I know how difficult it can be when the status isn’t ready to accept the ideas you espouse. Until you are vindicated, it can be a lonely struggle. Prairie dogs are the ultimate underdogs…”
It seems to me that a person, who can make that connection, is the one, who can see all of nature in that light. Of course, there are more stories about saving wolves, pumas, bison, desert bighorn sheep, and many others but the fact, that the former 'big mouth’ notices the little prairie dog shows much more effectively how all-embracing and including his dedication is. Ted Turner has set up even more foundations, than I knew and guessed. Wilkinson guides us through.
What is to be taken home from this book? Though sometimes, it seems as if Ted Turner is larger than life, he is human, … Wilkinson shows us what a passionate human he is. With his many efforts, Turner sets an example how much one dedicated, passionate person can do, and how such efforts attract others; the list of his own partners are an impressive who is who. Wilkinson’s book is a megaphone of Turner’s call to action. I briefly pick up the baton here and quote Ted Turner’s “Eleven Voluntary Initiatives”:
I promise to care for planet earth and all living things thereon, especially my fellow human beings.
I promise to treat all persons everywhere with dignity, respect, and friendliness.
I promise to have no more than one or two children.
I promise to do my best efforts to help save what’s left of our natural world in its undisturbed state, and to restore degraded areas.
I promise to use as little of our non-renewable resources as possible.
I promise to minimize my use of toxic chemical, pesticides, and other poisons, and to encourage others to do the same.
I promise to contribute to those less fortunate to help them become self-sufficient and enjoy the benefits of a decent life including clean air and water, adequate food, health care, housing, education and individual rights.
I reject the use of force, in particular military force, and I support the United Nations arbitration of international disputes.
I support the total elimination of all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and ultimately the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction.
I support the United Nations and its efforts to improve the conditions of the planet.
I support clean renewable energy and a rapid move to eliminate carbon emission.
Those, who know me well, know that the protection of intellectual property is very dear to my heart, thus typically I would never list such a long quote. However, after having read this book I believe that both, Wilkinson and Turner, agree that republishing these “Eleven Voluntary Initiatives” is important, because not all people buy all books they look at.
If readers need any more proof why they should follow these principles, they only need to look at the pictures in the appendix of this book. The breathtakingly beautiful photographs of the environments Turner protects, including that adorable swift fox, scream “Do you want to give this up? This planet is beautiful.” Or, quoting a line from my own book: “Once this planet loses its blue color it will just have a shade of brown… or gray… or beige… like all others.”
When Turner founded CNN people thought he’d never make it. I am deeply grateful that he leads our “Last Stand: Ted Turner's Quest To Save A Troubled Planet”
How many stars can I give this book AND Ted Turner? 500 would not be enough…
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
Very cleverly, Todd Wilkinson’s ‘Last Stand: Ted Turner's Quest To Save A Troubled Planet’ uses quotes from others to draw a picture of the man, who has gone from media mogul, sailor, Mouth of the South, and ‘risk taker’ to be instrumental and influential in helping to tackle the greatest risk of all: that our planet will become inhabitable, much faster than it was anticipated only a few decades ago. In doing more than his share, Turner does not confine himself to saving natural habitats and endangered species, but also takes an active role against nuclear threats. He is founder of the Nuclear Threat Initiative (NTI), together with Sam Nunn.
Of course, Ted Turner has never been an enigma to anybody, he articulates his opinions, his knowledge, and his passions loudly. Most often he says something profound and occasionally he steps into a puddle.
Wilkinson writes that Beau Turner, Ted’s youngest son, once asked, “Did he say things we wish he wouldn’t have sometimes? Absolutely. Goodness gracious, he once insulted Pope John Paul be making a Polack joke. How many people do you know who have had to make a personal apology to a pontiff?” Wilkinson carries on in his words, “… there is a paradox involved here. How many people have the standing to make headlines by a slip of the tongue, and yet will, if circumstances demand, issue statements of contrition…”
It is this type of writing where Wilkinson’s book excels because in the same paragraph he also proofs his point: That Ted Turner has raised children, who like he himself will not be afraid to speak the truth and carry on.
When Wilkinson describes Ted Turner’s huge estates, his foundations, his goodwill actions, his big plans, the reader has to wonder, “who will take over?” – most likely our environment’s problems won’t get any smaller. Even if Ted Turner lives to see his 100th birthday, which I truly hope, who knows what our environment will be like in 2038? Turner has been influenced by Jared Diamond’s “Collapse” (another fabulous book) thus sees the development of our societies from that perspective.
Throughout the book Wilkinson illustrates Tom Brokaw’s quote:
“A great novelist would be hard-challenged to have invented a character like him”.
Turner and Wilkinson’s excellent cooperation is demonstrated by the amount of content, which Wilkinson devotes to Turner’s efforts to save the prairie dog. It’s important to Turner and Wilkinson tells us why and how. His writing style matches Turner’s style when he quotes Turner: “I know what it means to be an underdog. I know how difficult it can be when the status isn’t ready to accept the ideas you espouse. Until you are vindicated, it can be a lonely struggle. Prairie dogs are the ultimate underdogs…”
It seems to me that a person, who can make that connection, is the one, who can see all of nature in that light. Of course, there are more stories about saving wolves, pumas, bison, desert bighorn sheep, and many others but the fact, that the former 'big mouth’ notices the little prairie dog shows much more effectively how all-embracing and including his dedication is. Ted Turner has set up even more foundations, than I knew and guessed. Wilkinson guides us through.
What is to be taken home from this book? Though sometimes, it seems as if Ted Turner is larger than life, he is human, … Wilkinson shows us what a passionate human he is. With his many efforts, Turner sets an example how much one dedicated, passionate person can do, and how such efforts attract others; the list of his own partners are an impressive who is who. Wilkinson’s book is a megaphone of Turner’s call to action. I briefly pick up the baton here and quote Ted Turner’s “Eleven Voluntary Initiatives”:
I promise to care for planet earth and all living things thereon, especially my fellow human beings.
I promise to treat all persons everywhere with dignity, respect, and friendliness.
I promise to have no more than one or two children.
I promise to do my best efforts to help save what’s left of our natural world in its undisturbed state, and to restore degraded areas.
I promise to use as little of our non-renewable resources as possible.
I promise to minimize my use of toxic chemical, pesticides, and other poisons, and to encourage others to do the same.
I promise to contribute to those less fortunate to help them become self-sufficient and enjoy the benefits of a decent life including clean air and water, adequate food, health care, housing, education and individual rights.
I reject the use of force, in particular military force, and I support the United Nations arbitration of international disputes.
I support the total elimination of all nuclear, chemical and biological weapons, and ultimately the elimination of all weapons of mass destruction.
I support the United Nations and its efforts to improve the conditions of the planet.
I support clean renewable energy and a rapid move to eliminate carbon emission.
Those, who know me well, know that the protection of intellectual property is very dear to my heart, thus typically I would never list such a long quote. However, after having read this book I believe that both, Wilkinson and Turner, agree that republishing these “Eleven Voluntary Initiatives” is important, because not all people buy all books they look at.
If readers need any more proof why they should follow these principles, they only need to look at the pictures in the appendix of this book. The breathtakingly beautiful photographs of the environments Turner protects, including that adorable swift fox, scream “Do you want to give this up? This planet is beautiful.” Or, quoting a line from my own book: “Once this planet loses its blue color it will just have a shade of brown… or gray… or beige… like all others.”
When Turner founded CNN people thought he’d never make it. I am deeply grateful that he leads our “Last Stand: Ted Turner's Quest To Save A Troubled Planet”
How many stars can I give this book AND Ted Turner? 500 would not be enough…
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger
December 8, 2020
A well-written and authorized biography about Ted Turner--an amazing philanthropist. I live near the Ladder Ranch in Southern New Mexico and was pleased and surprised by Ted's efforts to support our local environment.
January 23, 2021
One of the ladies in my general book club recommended this book about 8 or 9 years ago and I'm sort of wishing I had read the book then; it would have resonated more deeply closer to the time it was written.
I live near Bozeman (at least by Montana standards) and so knew that Ted Turner's ranch was nearby and was interested in learning more. Wilkinson certainly provided it. He is a very good writer who has written a lot about the Yellowstone area and honed his craft nicely. His talent shows through in the book even if the topic of Ted Turner gets a little stale after awhile.
I live near Bozeman (at least by Montana standards) and so knew that Ted Turner's ranch was nearby and was interested in learning more. Wilkinson certainly provided it. He is a very good writer who has written a lot about the Yellowstone area and honed his craft nicely. His talent shows through in the book even if the topic of Ted Turner gets a little stale after awhile.
October 22, 2017
Best read ever
A recommended read for everyone to get to know Ted Turner more thoroughly. For all the nature
lovers. He is a fascinating person of great integrity
A recommended read for everyone to get to know Ted Turner more thoroughly. For all the nature
lovers. He is a fascinating person of great integrity
September 2, 2019
5 stars with a caveat; it is pretty much one sided.
August 30, 2025
Keeping people informed
This book is an example of the power of the press and the importance of keeping it alive today. Our country depends on
It.
This book is an example of the power of the press and the importance of keeping it alive today. Our country depends on
It.
March 22, 2013
The first thing I noticed was this quote. "This is an advance promotional piece from uncorrected proofs and is not for sale. This text should not be quoted without comparison to the revised text..." Alright, so some of what I am reading is not going to make it to the final text. That's strange.
The material for the book came from conversations the author had with Ted Turner. So far so good. But not really. The author missed the mark and the opportunity to share with us, the reader, Ted's opinions about global warming and what we can (and more importantly need to) do to turn things around.
I commend Ted for putting his money where his mouth is and purchasing large tracks of land across the United States and Argentina. But why in the world Argentina? Well, he's raising buffalo (a four letter word to Ted, he states they are called bison.) I understand passion and he is working to bring back native animals to the land. But... I could have done without the in depth personal stories about his problems with his father, owning CNN and the Atlanta Braves, trouble with relationships and the thoughts of suicide. I fail to see how Ted's thoughts about killing himself was relevant given the title of the book.
I had to give this book one star. I think it should get none at all.
The material for the book came from conversations the author had with Ted Turner. So far so good. But not really. The author missed the mark and the opportunity to share with us, the reader, Ted's opinions about global warming and what we can (and more importantly need to) do to turn things around.
I commend Ted for putting his money where his mouth is and purchasing large tracks of land across the United States and Argentina. But why in the world Argentina? Well, he's raising buffalo (a four letter word to Ted, he states they are called bison.) I understand passion and he is working to bring back native animals to the land. But... I could have done without the in depth personal stories about his problems with his father, owning CNN and the Atlanta Braves, trouble with relationships and the thoughts of suicide. I fail to see how Ted's thoughts about killing himself was relevant given the title of the book.
I had to give this book one star. I think it should get none at all.
February 28, 2016
Todd Wilkinson, the author of LAST STAND Ted Turner’s Quest To Save a Troubled Planet, insists he did not set out to write a hagiography. But, in my opinion, that is what he has done. His admiration for Turner is apparent throughout.
This is not to say the book is unworthy of praise. Wilkinson has done a fine job of revealing aspects of the CNN founder’s character that previous biographers have not fully explored.
As the title suggests, the book’s primary focus is on Turner’s environmental causes. We learn about the origins of his passion for saving threatened species and restoring hugh swaths of land to a healthier state. (Along the way, the reader may also learn more about bison and prairie dogs than he or she might care to know.)
We also get significant insights into Turner’s friendship with Mikhail Gorbachev, Jacques Cousteau, Kofi Annan and many lesser-known individuals who helped shape his worldview.
The depth of Wilkinson’s research is impressive, as is his portrait of an American original.
David Compton
Author of INUNDATION The Drowning of Prince Edward Island
This is not to say the book is unworthy of praise. Wilkinson has done a fine job of revealing aspects of the CNN founder’s character that previous biographers have not fully explored.
As the title suggests, the book’s primary focus is on Turner’s environmental causes. We learn about the origins of his passion for saving threatened species and restoring hugh swaths of land to a healthier state. (Along the way, the reader may also learn more about bison and prairie dogs than he or she might care to know.)
We also get significant insights into Turner’s friendship with Mikhail Gorbachev, Jacques Cousteau, Kofi Annan and many lesser-known individuals who helped shape his worldview.
The depth of Wilkinson’s research is impressive, as is his portrait of an American original.
David Compton
Author of INUNDATION The Drowning of Prince Edward Island
November 11, 2013
interesting, if a bit softbally, fluffy, chronicle of turner's ranches, bison, eco-capitalism, un foundation, endangered species foundation, work with jacques cousteau crew, and some of his cnn and tbs, and the aol time warner merger (where he lost both is company and $10 billion, ouch), and his jane fonda marriage.
i was hoping to read more about the animals, fish, plants they are working on in various states like fl, mt, ok, ks, sd, nm, sc, etc, he has a LOT of ranches. but there is some in here about that, so kept my interest.
according to this, ted turner truly does seem to feel and believe that working for sustainability, human rights, equitable capitalism, biodiversity are the worthwhile callings of all, and especially of the rich and super-rich. anything else is a lie and copout.
wish more 1%ers took that attitude. and 99%ers too for that matter. has colored pics, but no maps or significant bibliography.
oh, on bison, he has over 50,000 head.
i was hoping to read more about the animals, fish, plants they are working on in various states like fl, mt, ok, ks, sd, nm, sc, etc, he has a LOT of ranches. but there is some in here about that, so kept my interest.
according to this, ted turner truly does seem to feel and believe that working for sustainability, human rights, equitable capitalism, biodiversity are the worthwhile callings of all, and especially of the rich and super-rich. anything else is a lie and copout.
wish more 1%ers took that attitude. and 99%ers too for that matter. has colored pics, but no maps or significant bibliography.
oh, on bison, he has over 50,000 head.
Read
June 3, 2014Who knew?
Being an avid sailor, fly fisherman, naturalist, and advertising company owner myself, over the years, Ted Turner's adventures have had a special appeal to me. Yet, I had no idea of the scale of his environmental commitment. I'm not a hero worshipper, but if any man qualifies for adulation, this is the man. His relationship with Jane and his friendship with Gorbachev are revealing and deeply moving. The pathological drive for success and nurturing of his own families involvement in his dreams is familiar to all of us who have born the scars of a dysfunctional paternal relationship. Most of all, I am moved by his unwavering commitment to using his wealth to improve the life on this planet. Ted Turner is at the top of my list of people with whom I'd like to spend the morning casting a fly beside a pristine stream. Buy this book and read it. Ted Turner is the Ann Rand antithesis, and the world is better for it.
Being an avid sailor, fly fisherman, naturalist, and advertising company owner myself, over the years, Ted Turner's adventures have had a special appeal to me. Yet, I had no idea of the scale of his environmental commitment. I'm not a hero worshipper, but if any man qualifies for adulation, this is the man. His relationship with Jane and his friendship with Gorbachev are revealing and deeply moving. The pathological drive for success and nurturing of his own families involvement in his dreams is familiar to all of us who have born the scars of a dysfunctional paternal relationship. Most of all, I am moved by his unwavering commitment to using his wealth to improve the life on this planet. Ted Turner is at the top of my list of people with whom I'd like to spend the morning casting a fly beside a pristine stream. Buy this book and read it. Ted Turner is the Ann Rand antithesis, and the world is better for it.
March 17, 2015
2.5 stars. More of an encomium to Ted Turner rather than the keen-eyed piece of journalism I was expecting. Mr. Turner deserves much credit and this book gives it to him, enumerating his many eco-philanthropic ventures and accomplishments. However, Ted Turner as a person never quite sprang to life for me through this book...he comes across more as a lone American folk legend/hero, which is sort of odd for someone who's still alive (and who has made his share of very public blunders). In short, it was a decent accounting of Turner's interesting and inspiring actions to help the planet and people, which is what I wanted to read. However, the author's approach and writing can come across as simplistic, heavy-handed and awkward.
July 28, 2014
I admit to being a big fan of all the incarnations of "Ted" - we share a birthday. Does a solid job of completely avoidinghagiography - especially since one of Turner's imprints published the book. That said, the author's assessment that Ted is great American innovator in the ecological domain (in addition to media and sailing) makes it a story that demands a wider audience.
March 27, 2013
Last Stand is an accurate interpretation by Wilkinson of Turner's wish for humanity. It reveals a way for desiring business leaders who desire to create a better future for our children and grandchildren. Great read so far! I very much recommend this book!
May 1, 2014
Ted Turner is one of my biggest heros for reclaiming so much land here in the West. He has re-established vanished species, specifically the buffalo to their native habitat. He is perhaps the foremost American Conservationist with 2 million acres restored and protected. Way to go Ted!
April 17, 2013
I won this in a Goodreads Giveaway.
I thought learning about this topic would interest me more, but the exact opposite happened. I'm even less interested.
I thought learning about this topic would interest me more, but the exact opposite happened. I'm even less interested.
August 31, 2015
Did not enjoy enough to finish
September 9, 2013
I really enjoyed learning the depth of Ted's involvement in his efforts to save our natural world. We should all listen to him.
November 5, 2013
not at all what i was expecting when I picked up the book.
December 20, 2013
Great Man…
May 29, 2014
Interesting! Did not read all the political/financial stuff but enjoyed the bison/prairie dog/wolf & conservation information.
October 18, 2014
A revelation. I had no idea Ted Turner was actively promoting endangered species, supporting the United Nations, and using his wealth so conscientiously.
January 22, 2015
Todd Wilkerson "wanted to avoid a hagiography" of Ted Turner, and I think 95% succeeded.
An inspiring read - more, anon.
An inspiring read - more, anon.
September 21, 2013
Loved it....He's the MAN!
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