Howard Hughes: Power, Paranoia & Palace Intrigue

By: Geoff Schumacher

Narrated by: Douglas R. Pratt

One of the most famous and enigmatic Americans of the 20th century, Howard Hughes challenged Hollywood's conventions and packed theaters with his blockbuster films Hell's Angels, Scarface and The Outlaw. He thrilled the world with his aviation exploits, shattering air speed records, flying around the world in record time and building the world's largest aircraft. Hughes was linked with almost every major film beauty of the 1930s and '40s, making him a favorite subject of the nation's gossip columns. One of the world's first billionaires, Hughes transformed his father's small fortune into a vast business empire.

But for all his celebrated achievements, Hughes' later years in Las Vegas - when drug addiction, bizarre behavior and a casino buying spree dominated his days - continue to draw the public's fascination. Geoff Schumacher, a veteran journalist and the author of Sun, Sin & Suburbia: An Essential History of Modern Las Vegas, delves into the Las Vegas years of Howard Hughes in this engrossing portrait of a man whose impact on the city is still being felt today.

©2008 Geoff Schumacher and Stephens Press (P)2013 Geoff Schumacher and Stephens Press

There are several books about the same as Howard Hughes, this is the one you want to read

I was looking for a book about Howard, Hughes focused on his time in Las Vegas, and this book, not only shared many details about this part of his life, but was a great summary of Hughes in general. I particularly liked the narration as well. if you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss this one.

narrator seems in a hurry to finish the book

narrator seems in a hurry to finish reading the book. there is ZERO flow to the book. the stories just jump around from year to year. only book I've gotten from audible I've not been able to finish.