George Soros: A Life In Full
Known for his decades of philanthropy, progressive politics, and investment success, George Soros is equally well known as the nemesis of the far right—the target of sustained attacks from nationalists, populists, authoritarian regimes, and anti-Semites—because of his commitment to open society, freedom of the press, and liberal democracy.
At 91, Soros still looms large on the global stage, and yet the man himself is surprisingly little understood. Asking people to describe Soros is likely to elicit different and seemingly contradictory answers. Who is George Soros, really? And why does this question matter?
Biographers have attempted to tell the story of George Soros, but no single account of his life can capture his extraordinary, multifaceted character.
Now, in this new book, Soros’s longtime publisher, Peter L. W. Osnos, has assembled a set of contributors from a variety of different perspectives—public intellectuals (Eva Hoffman, Michael Ignatieff), journalists (Sebastian Mallaby, Orville Schell), scholars (Leon Botstein, Ivan Krastev), and nonprofit leaders (Gara LaMarche, Darren Walker)—to paint a full picture of the man beyond the media portrayals.
Some have worked closely with Soros, while others have wrestled with issues and quandaries similar to his in their own endeavours. Their collective expertise shines a new light on Soros’s activities and passions and, to the extent possible, the motivation for them and the outcomes that resulted.
Through this kaleidoscope of viewpoints emerges a vivid and compelling portrait of this remarkable man’s consequential impact. It has truly been a life in full.
Reviews
“Exceptional writers provide a many-sided view of a multifaceted person. Better, and more intriguing, than a conventional biography.”
Anne Applebaum, staff writer, The Atlantic; author, Twilight of Democracy
“Across the last four decades, one man has done more to support open societies around the world than any government. In this book, distinguished authors paint a multifaceted portrait of one of the most remarkable figures of our time.”
Timothy Garton Ash, Professor of European Studies, University of Oxford
About Peter LW Osnos
Peter L. W. Osnos is the founder of PublicAffairs, which has published all of George Soros’s books since 1998.
- Philanthropist George Soros interviewed (13 December 2000)
- Latest issue of Philanthropy in Europe (26 January 2001)
