Hughes: The Private Diaries, Memos and Letters: The Definitive Biography of the First American Billionaire

Howard Hughes was born in 1905; he died in 1977. His mother had died in 1922 , his father in 1924 - thus, Hughes became independent at age 17 - with a guardian (Aunt Annette) and his inheritance (Hughes Tool Company) - valued at $626,000. He ignored his Aunt's advice to attend Rice Institute. He'd already identified his three main goals in life: to become the world's greatest golfer, the world's greatest pilot, and the world's greatest movie-maker. He entrusted the management of Hughes Tool Company (eventually acclaimed for having revolutionized the oil producing industry) to the same people his father had hired; thus, he enjoyed security and independence, a comfortable income, plus time and money to pursue his goals. At 19 Hughes decides that a serious, young entrepreneur like himself needs a wife; he chooses Ella Rice, a pretty, socially prominent young lady in Houston. Though already in love with another `promising' young man, Ella was persuaded by her mother and Aunt Annette that Howard - handsome and already rich - was a better 'catch'. After a 3-month honeymoon in New York City the newlyweds headed for California - where Hughes could launch his movie-making career. Soon Hughes was so involved in his golf (he eventually lowered his handicap to a respectable 2-plus) and movie making, that he had little time or energy left for Ella, who left him after 6 months. In Hollywood Hughes hires an 'executive assistant'. Together they produce in 1926 one flop and one `so-so' movie, then in 1927 they produce and Hughes directs "Two Arabian Nights" (with actors William Boyd and Boris Karloff ) - a film that wins for Hughes an Oscar for `Best Director of a Comedy'. In 1928 Hughes begins "Hell's Angels" - a movie that includes 'dogfights' in Sopwith Camels and German Fokkers (78 of them!). Though the movie must eventually be totally re-made (converted from silent to 'talkie' version) , Hughes in the process discovers actress Jean Harlow and the movie establishes box-office records everywhere. The film's premier at Grauman's Chinese Theater was the `best night of his life' - according to Hughes. Hughes goes on to make many other famous and profitable films (Scarface, the Outlaw), discover other starlets (Jane Russell), and in 1948 he buys a major movie studio - RKO - which establishes him as a major film maker. Meanwhile, Ella has divorced him , thus freeing Howard to 'play the field'. He's still only 23 - but now richer, more famous and even more handsome than ever - ergo, a very eligible bachelor. Plus, he now has his own little air force, a movie studio and a 170-foot yacht. He thus has little trouble meeting and squiring the world's most beautiful women -like Lana Turner, Ginger Rogers, Ava Gardner, Ida Lupino, Olivia de Havilland, Katherine Hepburn, Terry Moore, Yvonne DeCarlo, Kathryn Grayson, Bette Davis, Rita Hayworth, Linda Darnell, Billie Dove, and Faith Domerigue - to name a few. Not infrequently

....I settled on this book because I thought it would be account of Howard Hughes's weird and wanton ways, like several of the other books on this very original American have been.Much to my amazement, I discovered that this book, which the publisher has unembarrassingly labeled "the definitive biography of America's First Billionaire," was not exaggerating. The story that unfolds here is a real pageturner...one of a life that hit upon politics, Hollywood, aviation, science, and parental neglect of the most extreme variety. What makes this book work as well as it does is the ability of the writer, Richard Hack (of whom I know nothing but intend to read more), has built the plot as if writing a novel. His words are lush with emotion and frustration, as the reader is brought along as an innocent observer of an incredible life story. It took a special talent to make material that has been attempted to be told elsewhere new and exciting. "Hughes" is both well researched and beautifully written. I cannot recommend it highly enough to men, women and teenagers.

I always thought that Howard Hughes was this strange guy who freaked out, never cut his hair or fingernails, and tried to leave his billions to some guy who owned a gas station in Nevada. How wrong I was! After reading "Hughes," I discovered that this guy was the consummate patriot, the ultimate eccentric, a great lover, and amazing aviator. Richard Hack managed to make Howard Hughes come alive for me twenty-five years after his death. Hack's writing draws you into this man's life and holds you in his grip until the very last page. I never thought a biography could read better than a novel, but this one does. I highly recommend it to anyone who likes a fascinating story that combines elements of lust, intrique, espionage, Hollywood and humor. Prepare yourself to spend some time with this wonderful book. You won't want to put it down.

I knew bits and pieces about Hughes but never truly understood the remarkable life that he led and his incredible demise. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it hard to put down. Is there anyone else over the last century that led a more remarkable life? I will recommend it to my book group. It is so well written and the discussions will be delicious.

As an avid reader of biographies I look for those that will lead me directly into the life of the subject. I don't want to just read the facts. I want to be there...be a part of the story. Richard Hack has done a superb job researching the multi-faceted life of Howard Hughes.... I was glued to the pages as I read about his early years, his many business successes, his life in Hollywood, his many really weird habits and the effect he had on not just those who worked for him, but on all of America. This book has it all. I recommend it to anyone who would like to be a fly on the wall of a business titan or Hollywood magnate or to anyone who wants direct accesss to the mind of a truly remarkable man.