- Hardcover: 558 pages
- Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st ed 1st printg edition (7 May 1996)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0002253186
- ISBN-13: 978-0002253185
- Product Dimensions: 23.9 x 16.5 x 4.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 517,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
The new novel by Britain’s best-selling writer tells the dramatic story of two powerful men battling to control the biggest media empire in the world.
From the Back Cover
Jeffrey Archer's magnificent new novel tells the story of the two most extraordinary men of our time, lives to which only 'the greatest storyteller of our age' ('Mail on Sunday') could do justice.
At first glance, Richard Armstrong and Keith Townsend seemed to have little in common. One was the son of an illiterate peasant, who emerged from the most backward corner of a Europe ravaged by a bitter war. The other was raised in a mansion on the far side of the world while the war was just another piece of news.
One was a hustler, a thief, ready to change his story, even his identity, if it would gain him a momentary advantage. The other was the scion of a well-known family, groomed for a public role from his earliest years, a rebel who didn't care if anyone approved of what he got up to.
One craved wealth, recognition, status. The other quickly discovered that real power comes from anonymity. But they did have one thing in common. Both of them were gamblers. Both were prepared to risk everything in their battle to control the biggest newspaper empire in the world.
'His most impressive achievement to date: a story with a grip of steel'
KATE SAUNDERS, 'Sunday Express'
'Classic Archer'
TONY BANKS, 'Daily Express'
'The man's a genius…the strength and excitement of the idea carries all before it'
FAY WELDON, 'Evening Standard'
Inside This Book
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First Sentence
THE ODDS WERE stacked against him. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
THE ODDS WERE stacked against him. Read the first page
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Concordance
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Front Cover | Copyright | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I should mention first of all that this is the only Archer novel I have read and I am not exactly a bookworm in any case. The best part of this book was the development of both the main characters from young kids, right through school in Australia for one and the school of hard knocks in wartime Europe for the other.
Archer goes on to tell a tale of suspense, industrial espionage and ruthless business activities in the pursuit of power, with many twists and turns along the way. It all works superbly, to a point. What really spoiled it for me was reading a review prior to finishing the book and finding out who the two main characters were based on. From that point on what should have been the final twist was predictable all the way, since it actually happened in real life in the 80s.
Archer's writing and fiction are superb, but the worst parts of the book, for me, came when he mixed fact with fiction by bringing real life events and politicians into the story.
Overall I'm very much impressed with Archer's writing, but if I do choose to read one of his novels in future I will do my best to make sure it is one which does not borrow so heavily from the headlines of fifteen or twenty years earlier.
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Wow! This was one of the most exciting novels I have read in a long time. I kept thinking as I was reading it how many of my friends would enjoy it, too. It's a Kane and Abel-type story, the clash of two titans in the newspaper business. What I loved the most about it was all the twists and turns of one-upmanship that each was able to pull on the other! This author's knowledge of the business world, and of human nature is just astounding.
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I just love Jeffrey Archer books and this one doesn't disappoint. The pace is so fast you just can't put the book down. He really is a master storyteller and you just get swept along with the plot. I always feel a sense of loss when I've finished one of JA's books and this one is as good as any of his others.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Books
Books are always required so if the price is good and the writer exceptional the purchase is a reality
Published 18 months ago by Constantinos Theocharides
Not as good as...
I am a great fan; I loved Kane and Abel, Not a penny..., Paths of glory, First among Equals etc.
This one I didn't like. Read more
This one I didn't like. Read more
Published 23 months ago by HH
a £2.50 book
cracking value , exellent condition , prompt service . what more can you ask for ?
Published on 21 July 2009 by P. J. JONES
Murdoch and Maxwell
Another excellent Archer offering. I was well into it before I realised the two main characters are based on Murdoch and Maxwell. It is an excellenty told tale. Read more
Published on 19 May 2007 by G. J. Weeks
Thriller by numbers
Should have known, really. First among Equals: a group of hugely talented driven men with shared past but very different origins become rich and successful and end up on collision... Read more
Published on 24 July 2006 by Pete UK
Very entertainig
Jeffrey Archer is a great author when you are looking for an entertainig fast read. I have read most of his books. He is a great storyteller and this is one of his best!
Published on 13 Sep 2001 by fct@bpi.pt
Enthralling, a very good read
All of Jeffrey Archers book seem, thus far, to be extremely good. This is one of the better books. Well worth the purchase for avid readers.
Published on 10 Feb 2001
I've only read it about four times.
Although I've read all of Archer's novels and found them excellent in general, The Fourth Estate is the book that I tend to keep coming back to. Read more
Published on 27 Oct 2000
His Best Ever Book!
I'm a huge fan of Jeffrey Archer, but this is definetly my favourite. It's a powerful tale which contains suspense and mystery and which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Read more
Published on 24 Mar 2000
What a Great Book
I was made to read this book by my English teacher for my english assignment. WOW what a good book. I loved it and am now reading jeffrey archers - First Amoung Equals. Read more
Published on 12 May 1999
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