Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen releases memoir

Paul Allen, who co-founded Microsoft together with Bill Gates, released his memoir “Idea Man” this week.

In the book, Allen portrays himself as that part of the team that contributed the bigger, more wide-reaching ideas, while Gates, according to Allen, was responsible for sifting through his ideas pile and implementing those that seemed feasible.

“Idea Man” describes how a 9-year-old Allen, at a science fair in Seattle, Washington, fell in love with the idea of a “spherical elevator” and charts the beginnings of the relationship between him and fellow coder and current Microsoft boss Bill Gates.

One of the revelations people have seized on is the fact that Bill Gates had a bit of a mean streak, shooting down people’s ideas in a blaze of swearing in front of other employees and criticising Allen’s work ethic while the latter was undergoing treatment for cancer.

Allen also tries to paint himself as a likeable adult with the passions of a teenage boy – he mentions his enduring Jimi Hendrix obsession, and his friendship with U2 singer Bono.

Reviewers have noted the lack of real insights into episodes such as his infamous yacht parties, invitations to which came with a non-disclosure agreement, and his reputation as a ladies man.

Nevertheless, it is being hailed as a great document of the formation of a company that has forever changed the way we all live.

You can pick up a copy of “Idea Man” here.