The Dark Side of Power: The Real Armand Hammer - Softcover

Bumlay, Carl; Edwards, Henry

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0671850865 ISBN 13: 9780671850869

Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Trade Division), 1993

Synopsis

The astonishing story behind Armand Hammer, hailed at the time of his death as one of the greatest entrepreneurs of all time, friend of royalty and of the great statesmen of the 20th century. Carl Blumay was both his public relations consultant and Director of Public Relations at Occidental, and was the chief architect of the carefully crafted public image that Hammer played to perfection on the world stage. At his death on 10th December 1990, Armand Hammer, multimillionaire industrialist, was saluted as not only a great businessman, but also as an art collector and philanthropist, and was the recipient of countless humanitarian awards. Noted, too, were his friendships with presidents, kings, and princes, and his self-appointed role as a peacemaker with unparalleled access to the leaders of the Soviet Union. The world, it was said, would never see the likes of Armand Hammer again. This book includes startling revelations about his marriages and tormented family relationships, his shrewd and ruthless business deals, his sly maneuvers to win political favours from five American presidents, his self-serving manipulation of the media, his bribery schemes, and his many brushes with the law.

About this title

From Library Journal:

Hammer, millionaire chairman of the board of Occidental Petroleum, who died in 1990 at the age of 92, was not a nice person. Blumay, Hammer's public relations consultant for 25 years and architect of his public persona, describes in astonishing detail the methods by which both the American public and his stockholders were hoodwinked into believing that Hammer was a generous philanthropist, a brilliant businessman, and a scholarly art collector. The widely held perception that this noted capitalist was an officially sanctioned good-will ambassador to the Soviet Union was totally bogus. Blumay reveals that Hammer's seven-decades-long relationship with the former Soviet Union was complicated and, like most of his relationships, nefarious. Readers will discover a man who was unbelievably ruthless and cruel, demanding unquestioning loyalty of his employees and devoid of any redeeming qualities. Even in old age, Hammer continued to sow seeds of misery in the lives of the people he touched. Recommended for public libraries.
- Andrea C. Dragon, Coll. of St. Elizabeth, Convent Station, N.J.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Publishers Weekly:

In this relentlessly grim portrait of Armand Hammer, his former public relations consultant Blumay and journalist and novelist Edwards characterize the powerful international businessman as a skinflint, a womanizer, a liar, a browbeater of his staff and, above all, a man obsessed with money, power and fame. Ironically, Blumay in this book undoes his 25-year-long attempt to build an image of Hammer (1898-1990) as "caring, compassionate and wise." Unfortunately, the book lacks an organized overview and, although it proceeds chronologically, it is difficult to follow. Moreover, while Blumay offers insider details, the book strains credibility. It lacks both footnotes and bibliography, relies on deceased sources such as Hammer's brother Victor for damaging information and serves up numerous verbatim quotes from decades-old conversations. Armand Hammer, Steve Weinberg's 1989 biography, remains the standard. Photos not seen by PW. Author tour.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Simon & Schuster (Trade Division)
• Publication date: 1993
• ISBN 10: 0671850865
• ISBN 13: 9780671850869
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 512