Robber baron

This biography examines the life of Conrad Black, the media magnate who assembled one of the largest newspaper and publishing empires in the world. Black now faces criminal charges in Chicago accusing him of fraud, money laundering and racketeering, and his story remains a regular fixture in the headlines. The author wrote the book without the subject's authorization, drawing on extensive research, original documents and interviews with Black, his family, friends, business associates, critics and rivals.

Written by George Tombs, an award-winning journalist and historian, the book offers an insider's view of a complicated and determined man. It includes testimony and evidence from the Chicago trial, along with an account of Black's defence, the tactics he has used, and what he hopes for and fears. Readers who admire Black and those who oppose him will both find material to weigh.

The author compares Black to Charles Foster Kane, the fictional press baron of Citizen Kane, and tries to explain the motives behind Black's actions.