A compelling new picture of one of the most important complex and misunderstood figures of
our time. The name George Soros is recognized around the world. Universally known for his
decades of philanthropy progressive politics and investment success he 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 age 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 ambitious and revealing new book Soros's longtime publisher Peter L. W. Osnos has
assembled an intriguing 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
endeavors. 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
unique and consequential impact. It has truly been a life in full.
