"Against this tech-inflected landscape, Thomas Harding’s new biography of George Weidenfeld floats as if on stained foolscap. We won’t see the likes of this fellow again. Weidenfeld would assemble a catalog bulging with many of the 20th century’s most important authors: literary novelists, philosophers, scientists, celebrities, democratic leaders. Though he enjoyed his comforts, Weidenfeld was less motivated by riches than ideas and people. Judging from Harding’s work, Weidenfeld was neither hedgehog nor fox, but—aptly, considering his beloved Nabokov’s favorite hobby—butterfly.”

– Alexandra Jacobs, The New York Times

"'A skillful and subtle study in biography, British attitudes, and the book business."

– The Wall Street Journal, Dominic Green

“The Maverick is packed with fascinating accounts of book deals and debacles during the 'golden age of publishing.' [An] entertaining biography.”

– The Washington Post, Michael Dirda

"I read it overnight. An entertaining read for those who enjoy literary gossip in which the list of dropped names is dazzling. A publisher of legitimate distinction, there is no one quite like Weidenfeld in the trade these days."

– Peter Osnos, Air Mail

"Thomas Harding’s admirably even-handed and readable biography places Weidenfeld in both his social and cultural contexts, never excusing his more dubious actions, but also celebrating his undeniable pizzazz, application and drive."

– The Guardian

"There's plenty to admire in this unconventional biography of George Weidenfeld. The Maverick is a sensitive and worthy study of a great man."

– The Jewish Chronicle

“Like George Weidenfeld himself, Thomas Harding's accomplishment is substantial, lively, and full of interest. The Maverick is a fine biography.”

 

– Henry Kissinger

“The Maverick anchors George Weindenfeld as one of the foremost influencers in modern literature and a man who rose from extraordinary circumstances to lead an even more extraordinary life and legacy. A treasure trove of insight and history.”
 

– Arianna Huffington, Founder & CEO, Thrive Global 

"George Weidenfeld was a titan of a man, an irresistible character and something of a genius. This book does him full justice.”
 

– Simon Heffer, author of The Age of Decadence and High Minds 

"The Maverick is a vivid portrait, warts and all, of perhaps the most successful publisher in post-war Britain. But it is much more than this—a gripping study of the assimilation of Jewish emigres into Britain’s strangely rigid but porous class system, a guide to the the golden age of publishing, an analysis of post-war intellectual life through a succession of landmark books.”

– Adrian Wooldridge, Bloomberg journalist

"Thomas Harding has doggedly unearthed fascinating and surprising tales from George Weidenfeld's life as he rose from poverty and Nazi persecution to become one of the world's most powerful publishers. Harding reveals a complex personality in a richly told narrative that leaves the reader awed."

– Lynn Medford, former editor, Washington Post Magazine

"George Weidenfeld is an unlikely hero of the cultural revolution. The Jewish outsider rocked the staid world of British publishing, and yet became a pillar of the establishment. Harding paints a vivid picture of the man and his times. Reading Thomas Harding’s book, you are fascinated.  I couldn’t put it down."
 

– Alan Posener, journalist for Die Welt

"The life story of the complex man at the forefront of British publishing. A sympathetic, discerning portrait of a publishing titan."

– Kirkus Reviews

"If the name Arthur George Weidenfeld is unfamiliar to the casual reader, the list of books bearing his imprint is evidence of his enormous impact during decades in publishing. Harding admirably details Weidenfeld’s ascent from refugee to a leading figure who shaped our culture and intellectual firmament."

– Booklist, starred review

"Revealing and intriguing. This 'investigation into publishing, including its dark arts' will leave readers with a vivid picture of the working life of a publisher."

– Publishers Weekly