University News | October 7, 2011

Walter Isaacson, Harvard Overseer, wrote the official biography of Steve Jobs

Walter Isaacson ’74 wrote the official biography of the Apple co-founder, to be released October 24.

The authorized biography of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, to be released October 24, is written by Walter Isaacson ’74, CEO of the Aspen Institute, the former managing editor of Time magazine, and a Harvard Overseer.

After Jobs died October 5 of complications from pancreatic cancer, the book climbed to the top spot on the Amazon.com bestseller list.

Time canceled its previously scheduled print run this week and instead published a tribute to Jobs. A reflection by Isaacson is available to subscribers; it was quoted around the Web, including Jobs's explanation to Isaacson of why he wanted the biography to be written:

“I wanted my kids to know me,” he said. “I wasn’t always there for them, and I wanted them to know why and to understand what I did.”

Isaacson is also the author of biographies of former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger ’50, Ph.D. ’54, Albert Einstein, S.D. ’35, and Benjamin Franklin, A.M. 1753, the last reviewed by Baird professor of science emeritus Dudley Herschbach for Harvard Magazine.

You might also like

Crowd protesting near a statue, holding signs with various messages; flags above.

Harvard Graduate Student Union Authorizes Another Strike

The University warns this walkout may not be protected by labor law, an assertion the union disputes.

Historic building surrounded by trees, with people gathering in a park setting.

FAS Readies for Administrative Transition

Faculty leaders say layoffs will yield $20 million in annual savings.

Trump Administration Asks Appeals Court to Restore Harvard Funding Cuts

The government’s lawyers homed in on a jurisdictional argument for its authority to to terminate federal grants.

Most popular

Illustration suggesting how technologies may influence undergraduate writing

“AI Anxiety”

The Undergraduate on the uneasy collision of technology and writing

Conan O’Brien in a dark suit and light shirt, smiling and posing with hands clasped.

Conan O’Brien Named Harvard’s 2026 Commencement Speaker

The comedian, host, and 1985 graduate will deliver remarks at the May 28 ceremony.

White House and Harvard University buildings split diagonally with contrasting colors.

Harvard Weathers a Year of Turmoil

The federal government has launched unprecedented actions against the University. Here’s a guide.

Explore More From Current Issue

Three hands hold smartphones displaying social media profiles with likes and hearts.

Tell us about how social media impacts your daily life.

Three actors perform on stage, with one actor interacting closely with another, set against abstract backgrounds.

Arts & Culture

The play Spare Parts is a contemporary fable about the quest to live forever.

A woman with curly blonde hair sits casually against a stone wall, wearing a black top and jeans.

Chloe Chapin trains her Broadway costume designer’s eye on the history of men’s fashion.