A compelling new biography [The Greatest Capitalist Who Ever Lived] spins the Watsons into near-Shakespearean figures, as if Succession were set in the era of Mad Men. The New York Times Book Review Editors’ Choice

The enduring story of Thomas Watson Jr.a figure more important to the creation of the modern world than Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, and Morgan.

Nearly fifty years into IBMs existence, Thomas Watson Jr. undertook the biggest gamble in business history when he bet the farm on the creation of the IBM System/360, the worlds first fully integrated and compatible mainframe computer. As CEO, Watson drove a revolution no other companythen or nowwould dare, laying the foundation for the digital age that has transformed every society, corporation, and government.

The story of Watson being present at the creation of the digital age is intertwined with near-Shakespearean personal drama. While he put IBM and its employees at risk, Watson also carried out a family-shattering battle over the future of the company with his brother Dick. This titanic struggle between brothers led to Dicks death and almost killed Watson Jr. himself.

Though he was eventually touted by Fortune magazine as the greatest capitalist who ever lived, Watsons directionless, playboy early years made him an unlikely candidate for corporate titan. How he pulled his life together and, despite personal demons, paved the way for what became a global industry is an epic tale full of drama, inspiration, and valuable lessons in leadership, risk-taking, and social responsibility.