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Мой век - двадцатый. Пути и встречи
Книга представляет собой воспоминания известного американского предпринимателя, прошедшего большой и славный жизненный путь, неоднократно приезжавшего в Советский Союз и встречавшегося с многими видными советскими общественными и государственными деятелями.
320 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1987
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133 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 20, 2023
You know the type of narcissist who can only describe their flaws in terms of "too much of a good thing"? Working too hard, being too dedicated to their community, dick too big. Now imagine they wrote a 700 page autobiography in which they were present at a myriad political tectonic shifts, and it turns out those shifts were caused by how much people were clapping for them all the time. Then imagine, logically, that they meticulously scrubbed each blemish from the record (lawsuits were baseless revenge by disgruntled rivals, there were no mistresses, bribes were explained away by pointing to other factors ingratiating the receiver).
That's all fine, no one reads Hammer because they're interested in a millionnaire's marital ethics. Armand Hammer, the son of a communist activist, the first American concessionnaire investor in Lenin's Soviet Union, a key player in breaking the Seven Sisters oil monopoly and a tireless "citizen diplomat", witnessed enough stuff happening around him to pique anyone remotely interested by the Cold War or amused by the contradictions of trade dealings with communist countries. It turns out, however, that everything important here is made up out of whole cloth. And I mean everything: Julius, Hammer Senior, laid the foundations for every cent Armand were to make, not as a shrewd investor, but as a front man for soviet money laundering. There was no windfall profit from selling ginger tincture during Prohibition, all the money was Bolshevik in origin. Armand's uncanny sense of initiative and 'art of the deal' was genuine but could only operate via the back corridors of powerbrokers, not the market. In that area he was perpetually floundering, only saved by the largesse of his wife Frances, who gained hundreds of millions through her divorce.
The one thing I assumed to be a blatant self-serving embellishment — that Hammer was the inspiration behind Lend-Lease and hence an American way into World War II — turns out to be completely true. From this book, however, you wouldn't know that Hammer was nudged in that direction by Kremlin contacts.
Neil Lyndon, who edited this hagiographic volume, fell out with Hammer one year after its publication, when an oil disaster caused the deaths of hundreds of rig workers and Hammer made no efforts to compensate the bereaved. At the time, he was too focused on gaining a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Lyndon would later describe Hammer as "the most Satanic man of the the second half of the 20th Century". Whoops.
Two stars for being an indispensable object in a very entertaining game of "guess what really happened". For a cheat sheet, consult EJ Epstein's Hammer book.
That's all fine, no one reads Hammer because they're interested in a millionnaire's marital ethics. Armand Hammer, the son of a communist activist, the first American concessionnaire investor in Lenin's Soviet Union, a key player in breaking the Seven Sisters oil monopoly and a tireless "citizen diplomat", witnessed enough stuff happening around him to pique anyone remotely interested by the Cold War or amused by the contradictions of trade dealings with communist countries. It turns out, however, that everything important here is made up out of whole cloth. And I mean everything: Julius, Hammer Senior, laid the foundations for every cent Armand were to make, not as a shrewd investor, but as a front man for soviet money laundering. There was no windfall profit from selling ginger tincture during Prohibition, all the money was Bolshevik in origin. Armand's uncanny sense of initiative and 'art of the deal' was genuine but could only operate via the back corridors of powerbrokers, not the market. In that area he was perpetually floundering, only saved by the largesse of his wife Frances, who gained hundreds of millions through her divorce.
The one thing I assumed to be a blatant self-serving embellishment — that Hammer was the inspiration behind Lend-Lease and hence an American way into World War II — turns out to be completely true. From this book, however, you wouldn't know that Hammer was nudged in that direction by Kremlin contacts.
Neil Lyndon, who edited this hagiographic volume, fell out with Hammer one year after its publication, when an oil disaster caused the deaths of hundreds of rig workers and Hammer made no efforts to compensate the bereaved. At the time, he was too focused on gaining a Nobel Peace Prize nomination. Lyndon would later describe Hammer as "the most Satanic man of the the second half of the 20th Century". Whoops.
Two stars for being an indispensable object in a very entertaining game of "guess what really happened". For a cheat sheet, consult EJ Epstein's Hammer book.
December 25, 2024
Amazing
Inspiring, has this way of making everything look easy and based on just decency and being a good human being.
Defining for me in the firs few months in London - helping in seeing the world through different eyes and removing invisible barriers to progress/success.
Loved it.
Inspiring, has this way of making everything look easy and based on just decency and being a good human being.
Defining for me in the firs few months in London - helping in seeing the world through different eyes and removing invisible barriers to progress/success.
Loved it.
April 6, 2024
"Hammer: Witness to History" is an insightful and gripping memoir by Armand Hammer, one of the most influential and enigmatic figures of the 20th century. Published in 1987, this book offers readers a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of a man who played a key role in shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the 20th century.
At its core, "Hammer: Witness to History" is a testament to the power of ambition, intellect, and perseverance. Hammer shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings as the son of Russian Jewish immigrants to becoming a titan of industry and a confidant of world leaders. Along the way, he recounts his encounters with some of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, including Lenin, Stalin, Roosevelt, and Nixon, providing readers with a firsthand account of the events that shaped the modern world.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its candid and unvarnished portrayal of Hammer's life and career. He pulls no punches in recounting his successes and failures, his triumphs and tribulations, offering readers a nuanced and honest perspective on the complexities of his character and the contradictions of his legacy.
Moreover, "Hammer: Witness to History" is also a deeply personal book, with Hammer sharing intimate details about his family, his friendships, and his relationships. He reflects on the sacrifices he made for his career, the challenges he faced in balancing his personal and professional lives, and the lessons he learned along the way.
In addition to its personal narrative, "Hammer: Witness to History" is also a rich tapestry of historical and cultural insights. Hammer offers readers valuable perspectives on topics ranging from the rise of communism and the Cold War to the evolution of capitalism and the global economy. His reflections on the nature of power, wealth, and influence are both insightful and thought-provoking, offering readers valuable insights into the forces that have shaped the modern world.
However, while "Hammer: Witness to History" offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the 20th century's most intriguing figures, it is not without its limitations. Some readers may find Hammer's self-aggrandizement and self-justification off-putting, particularly in light of the controversies that surrounded him throughout his life. Additionally, the book's sprawling narrative and episodic structure may be challenging for readers looking for a more focused and cohesive account of Hammer's life and career.
In conclusion, "Hammer: Witness to History" is a captivating and illuminating memoir that offers readers a unique perspective on the 20th century. Armand Hammer's insights into politics, business, and culture make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the forces that have shaped the modern world.
At its core, "Hammer: Witness to History" is a testament to the power of ambition, intellect, and perseverance. Hammer shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings as the son of Russian Jewish immigrants to becoming a titan of industry and a confidant of world leaders. Along the way, he recounts his encounters with some of the most iconic figures of the 20th century, including Lenin, Stalin, Roosevelt, and Nixon, providing readers with a firsthand account of the events that shaped the modern world.
One of the book's greatest strengths is its candid and unvarnished portrayal of Hammer's life and career. He pulls no punches in recounting his successes and failures, his triumphs and tribulations, offering readers a nuanced and honest perspective on the complexities of his character and the contradictions of his legacy.
Moreover, "Hammer: Witness to History" is also a deeply personal book, with Hammer sharing intimate details about his family, his friendships, and his relationships. He reflects on the sacrifices he made for his career, the challenges he faced in balancing his personal and professional lives, and the lessons he learned along the way.
In addition to its personal narrative, "Hammer: Witness to History" is also a rich tapestry of historical and cultural insights. Hammer offers readers valuable perspectives on topics ranging from the rise of communism and the Cold War to the evolution of capitalism and the global economy. His reflections on the nature of power, wealth, and influence are both insightful and thought-provoking, offering readers valuable insights into the forces that have shaped the modern world.
However, while "Hammer: Witness to History" offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the 20th century's most intriguing figures, it is not without its limitations. Some readers may find Hammer's self-aggrandizement and self-justification off-putting, particularly in light of the controversies that surrounded him throughout his life. Additionally, the book's sprawling narrative and episodic structure may be challenging for readers looking for a more focused and cohesive account of Hammer's life and career.
In conclusion, "Hammer: Witness to History" is a captivating and illuminating memoir that offers readers a unique perspective on the 20th century. Armand Hammer's insights into politics, business, and culture make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the forces that have shaped the modern world.
March 11, 2024
Armand Hammer was a cretin. I don’t know what I was thinking when I paid 50 cents for this, like-new hardback in 2004.
The reviews indicate he was gloating through the whole book. I will donate this one and get something that approximates the truth about this billionaire.
To understand this kind of nonsense, you might want to pick up a copy of Anthony Sutton's Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution.
Establishment accounts of his treacherous dealings with the criminal Lenin and the Bolsheviks, and Bullet Head's motley group of successors are about as opaque as the Warren Commission Report.
Remember these lines from Bob Dylan's 115th Dream?
As I was leaving the Bay
I saw 3 ships sailing
and they were all headed my way
I asked the Captain what his name was
and why he didn’t drive a truck
He said "Columbus"
and I just said
Good Luck.
The reviews indicate he was gloating through the whole book. I will donate this one and get something that approximates the truth about this billionaire.
To understand this kind of nonsense, you might want to pick up a copy of Anthony Sutton's Wall Street and the Bolshevik Revolution.
Establishment accounts of his treacherous dealings with the criminal Lenin and the Bolsheviks, and Bullet Head's motley group of successors are about as opaque as the Warren Commission Report.
Remember these lines from Bob Dylan's 115th Dream?
As I was leaving the Bay
I saw 3 ships sailing
and they were all headed my way
I asked the Captain what his name was
and why he didn’t drive a truck
He said "Columbus"
and I just said
Good Luck.
December 22, 2017
I loved this, in particular some of his insights about Lenin in early soviet times. Left me many years ago with an impression of Hammer's greatness - but I might have been mislead a bit judging my some of the other biographies.
April 10, 2021
Given his long life and huge network I thought this would be fascinating but it's mostly just plugging himself, saying how great he was, how important people listened to him. No real insight as to why.
August 18, 2024
Fascinating.
October 22, 2016
"If you work hard and concentrate on your problem and pay attention to any possible solution, you can make your own luck to a large extent." (Armand Hammer, Hammer, Page 204)
"I always say, "Don't tell me it can't be done: tell me how I can do it." (Armand Hammer, Hammer, Page 380)
Multi-billionaire Armand Hammer tells his life story and life's work through this autobiography. It covers his education of becoming a doctor, his dealings with Russia, China, Egypt..., his collection of art, his development of his business OXY: Occidental Petroleum Corporation, his work with Presidents and the elite.
His one claim to fame is that he met Lenin personally, which gave him great leeway in the Soviet Union (now Russia). Even giving him a bronze statue that still to this very day is sitting on Lenin's desk.
I got the sense while reading this book that Armand Hammer's ambition was to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He talks about all he has done to create peace. Especially peace with the Soviet Union.
"I always say, "Don't tell me it can't be done: tell me how I can do it." (Armand Hammer, Hammer, Page 380)
Multi-billionaire Armand Hammer tells his life story and life's work through this autobiography. It covers his education of becoming a doctor, his dealings with Russia, China, Egypt..., his collection of art, his development of his business OXY: Occidental Petroleum Corporation, his work with Presidents and the elite.
His one claim to fame is that he met Lenin personally, which gave him great leeway in the Soviet Union (now Russia). Even giving him a bronze statue that still to this very day is sitting on Lenin's desk.
I got the sense while reading this book that Armand Hammer's ambition was to win the Nobel Peace Prize. He talks about all he has done to create peace. Especially peace with the Soviet Union.
January 30, 2011
This book has been in my library for years. Finally, I pulled it down and started reading it. Finished it now and delighted I took the time.
Fascinating for I am learning about:
1. History of Russian from one of the first business people from the United States to set up a business there. He met quietly with most of the recent leaders, including Lenin, who he liked a great deal.
2. I learned how Hammer collected his art and his goal to make sure it was always available for people to see instead of being hidden away in homes/offices.
3. Through one liners learned about Hammer's philosophy to do the right thing and his guiding rules.
Once again, a autobiography illustrates that even the most successful people have had some really difficult times in their lives when they wondered how they would go on.
Fascinating for I am learning about:
1. History of Russian from one of the first business people from the United States to set up a business there. He met quietly with most of the recent leaders, including Lenin, who he liked a great deal.
2. I learned how Hammer collected his art and his goal to make sure it was always available for people to see instead of being hidden away in homes/offices.
3. Through one liners learned about Hammer's philosophy to do the right thing and his guiding rules.
Once again, a autobiography illustrates that even the most successful people have had some really difficult times in their lives when they wondered how they would go on.
January 31, 2008
3 stars for the average person but business folks would give it 4 or 5 stars
March 8, 2021
Time to read this one again - 4th time!!
June 27, 2013
Incredible autobiography. It seems like he's a liar because its so good.
March 1, 2013
An account of a most interesting life of a businessman who made a lot of money and relied on The Meditations by Marcus Aurelius to surmount the trying times of his life.
September 30, 2014
Amazing story about the influence one man can have on the world. An entertaining read with very interesting historical information.
January 17, 2023
Great reflections on life, his times, and business.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews