"Few private citizens have led so distinguished a public life. few businessmen so dazzling a series of careers. Statesman, envoy, industrialist, entrepreneur, physician, philanthropist, collector extraordinaire - this is the remarkable autobiography of a truly remarkable man: Dr Armand Hammer. From Lenin to Gorbachev, FDR to Reagan; from presidents and prime ministers to shahs, sheiks and the Royal Family, he has known all the great leaders of the world. In the rough, raw Russia of 1921, Lenin asked him to bring capitalism to the Soviet Union. In the dark days of Britain's lone struggle against Hitler, he helped Roosevelt put together the Lend Lease destroyer deal that provided vital aid. In the Cold War 60's, 70's and 80's, president after president awaited his briefings as he shuttled back and forth from Moscow, promoting peace initiatives, cultural exchanges and every sort of mercy mission, from the plight of Soviet Jews to the desperate victims of Chernobyl. In the meantime, he built up not one fortune, but several, the first before he was even 21, (whilst still a student). Pharmaceuticals, pencil factories. mines, fine art, cattle herds, radio stations, chemical empires and oil the list of his successful enterprises stretches to the horizon. and everyone of them is crowded with a wealth of candid, deeply illuminating stories." - Publisher (from the inside flap of dust jacket).