*LONGLISTED FOR THE FINANCIAL TIMES BUSINESS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARD* 

Chosen by WATERSTONES as one of their BEST POLITICS BOOKS of 2024

‘Anupreeta Das tracks the ups and downs of Bill Gates’s career in her eye-opening book’ The Times 

Bill Gates is one of the most powerful figures of the past four decades. But the world-famous public image he has so carefully crafted is not the whole truth. In this explosive new book, Anupreeta Das (finance editor of the New York Times) takes you behind the façade.

From his early years, when he was a divisive figure in the burgeoning tech industry, we see the Microsoft co-founder morph into a ruthless capitalist, only to change yet again when he fashions himself into a global do-gooder. But as Das’s revelatory reporting shows us: billionaires have secrets and philanthropy can have a dark side.

Drawing upon hundreds of interviews with current and former employees of the Gates Foundation, Microsoft, and those with insight into the Gates universe, Das delves into Gates’s relationships with Warren Buffett, Jeffrey Epstein, Melinda French Gates and others to uncover the man behind the persona. In telling Gates’s story, Das also provides a new way to think about how billionaires wield their influence, manipulate their image and pursue philanthropy to achieve their own ends.

Billionaire, Nerd, Saviour, King is a gripping story of wealth, power and reputation; it will open your eyes to the ways in which the world’s richest people hold us in their thrall.

"‘Compelling reading . . . Anupreeta Das tracks the ups and downs of Bill Gates’s career in her eye-opening book . . . Although her in-depth reporting digs deep into the history and structure of our billionaire-friendly financial world, Das’s clear writing makes for an entertaining story' " - The Times

"‘A sharply incisive portrait’" - Kirkus Reviews

"‘Das widens the lens through which Gates’ life and career is viewed. Each facet of his reputation is couched within a larger framework of capitalism, social justice, and entrepreneurship to question the outsized sway Gates and others of his rank hold over society writ large. Venturing deep into every aspect of Gates’ professional and private spheres, Das offers a balanced, perceptive, and thought-provoking portrait of a man and his times’ " - Booklist

"‘A perceptive and vibrant character portrait’" - Publishers Weekly

"‘Unpicking one of the most powerful figures in the world . . . Gripping and shocking, we bet you won’t be able to put this down’ " - Luxury London

"‘Ms Das considers different facets of Mr Gates’s life, from his friendship with Warren Buffett and the breakdown of his marriage to the running of his foundation and the management of his wealth. Some of this is eye-opening . . . But Ms Das’s book is most interesting when it shows how Mr Gates has influenced other billionaires – how they have emulated him, and how they have not’" - The Economist