Penguin Books Australia

According to Time, Paul Allen is one of the '100 Most Influential People In The World.' Idea Man is the story of the fascinating life of a man who has made an unprecedented impact in science, technology, business, sports, music, and philanthropy.

His memoir features previously untold stories that offer insight into everything from the true origins of Microsoft to a behind-the-scenes view of the dawn of private space travel. It offers reflections from someone who has led an extraordinary life, learned a lot, and helped improve the world.

'Paul's natural curiosity will always guide him into uncharted waters.  Whether it's a newfangled device called the personal computer, exploring sea and space, or the human brain, two things are certain: it won't be the same afterwards, and it will be an extraordinary journey.' Peter Gabriel

'Paul is a true adventurer in every sense of the word.  His ideas have helped shape the world we live in.  Witnessing the way his mind works is like watching a Jimi Hendrix guitar solo; you have no idea how he does it, but it blows your mind.' Dave Stewart

'This son of Oklahoma, by way of Seattle, electrocuted by a classmate, soldered his skin, gassed the family pet, purposely crashed systems, dove in Dumpsters for coffee-stained printouts, and went on to create the engine that changed the world.' Dan Aykroyd