Review of Who Knew
by Johny McFliggen, PhD Literature & Business, Oxford
In what seems to be a curious twist of literary fate, Barry Diller, a titan of the media industry, has allegedly penned "Who Knew," a book that charts the illustrious journey from the humble confines of a mail room to the rarefied air of entertainment moguldom. However, if one were to scour the annals of bibliographic databases up until 2023, they'd be met with an irksome void where this title should reside. It's almost as if Diller himself is playing a grand game of media cat and mouse, teasing us with the prospect of insights that might rival the revelations found within the pages of Walter Isaacson's "Steve Jobs."
For argument's sake, let's indulge in a hypothetical exploration of what such a tome might entail. Imagine Diller's narrative weaving through the corridors of power at Paramount Pictures or his days at IAC/InterActiveCorp, much like Michael Eisner's "Work in Progress" or Robert Iger’s "The Ride of a Lifetime." One could anticipate a cavalcade of anecdotes detailing the seismic shifts in entertainment through his discerning lens—an industry oracle who has had more than a hand in sculpting contemporary media landscapes.
If "Who Knew" indeed exists, it would likely share thematic DNA with "The Big Picture" by Ben Fritz, offering an insider’s perspective on the tumultuous evolution of Hollywood's business practices. Diller's potential reflections on navigating such a Darwinian industry would make for compelling reading, not unlike the tantalizing insider riffs found in Brian Grazer’s "A Curious Mind."
And what of Diller’s personal philosophy? One might expect an exploration reminiscent of Richard Branson’s "Losing My Virginity," where entrepreneurial spirit and creative innovation converge. Diller, known for his unorthodox approaches and prescient strategies, could provide a masterclass in calculated risk-taking—a veritable blueprint for aspiring executives.
In the absence of concrete details about this elusive work, we're left to ponder what hidden morsels of wisdom and entertainment lore Barry Diller might yet unveil. Until such revelations appear in print, we must content ourselves with the legacy he continues to carve out in the business world—a legacy that speaks volumes even without the ink on paper. If "Who Knew" ever graces our bookshelves, it promises to be an essential read for anyone intrigued by the machinations behind the silver screen and beyond.
Purchase Link: Who Knew on Amazon
