And the perfect biographer to write it.
Paul Goldsmith has written extensively
about the lives o fa number of leading New Zealand businessmen and political figures, as
well as about aspects of Maori history and politics.
Among his previous books are: John Banks:
A biography; TN Gibbs; Gibbs: New Zealand roots; Brash: A biography; The Myers (with
Michael Bassett); We Won, You Lost. Eat That! A political history of tax in
New Zealand since 1840; Stress and Enterprise: The career of Richard
Izard;
Fletchers: A
centennial history of Fletcher Building.
Goldsmith, who enjoyed free access to
Gibbs, says he hopes his biography will entertain and be thought-provoking for
readers of all backgrounds and across the political spectrum.
“It’s a book about a guy who has lived
a very full life. It is exhausting just thinking about it. From cars, to
finance, to political reform, to art … back to vehicles.”
“Stories like Alan’s add complexity
and interest to our collective national story.
“He’s been a major figure in New
Zealand life in many respects, particularly in business and politics, but much
of the Alan Gibbs story has remained untold in its entirety.
“And there is so much
more to Alan than his economic philosophies. The entrepreneurial side of Alan
is a fascinating story as is his early interest in the arts, including how he
and his former wife, Jenny Gibbs, came to establish one of our most significant
private art collections.
“When Alan left New Zealand in the
late 1990s, it wasn’t to retire and play golf all day. As Alan says in the
book, he tried out retirement in his thirties and soon realised it was not for
him. Now in his seventies, he is just as driven and intellectually hungry as
ever. He’s a voracious reader and he remains determined to achieve his dream of
getting his amphibious vehicles to market. He now divides his time between
London, Detroit and the Kaipara Harbour".
There is no doubt that Gibbs is one of the most controversial, complex,
fascinating and colourful New Zealand businessmen of recent times and like him or not this is a lively, engaging and surprising read
about one of this country’s most influential business figures, one who history
certainly won’t forget.
The book also gives insight into the Gibbs
family. Although Alan and Jenny Gibbs were eventually to part ways, there is a
sense that the couple were ahead of their time and equals in every respect.
Jenny Gibbs speaks of life never being boring with Alan, meantime for his
children life was an unpredictable adventure. Sure, they were fortunate to
travel the globe but growing up around Alan was also an intellectual adventure.
Mealtime around the family table was always a slightly terrifying prospect. Not
one to suffer fools, Alan encouraged debate and argument, even within the
family. It was fine to have an opinion that differed to his but if it wasn’t
rock-solid and well-grounded, look out.
Serious Fun: The life & times of Alan Gibbs
Paul Goldsmith
Random House $45.00
Publication - 3 August, 2012
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