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

FAS leaders say restructuring will be complete by mid-October.

The award-winning international journalist has served as interim curator since 2025.

College staff whose jobs will be changed or eliminated were notified this week.

Most popular

All That’s Unseen charts the Harvard graduate’s uneasy journey from Appalachia to Cambridge and back.  

Singer Elisa Smith’s whiskey-soaked voice and subversive feminism is part of the genre’s urban shift.

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

Katie O’Dair in academic regalia holds a ceremonial staff outdoors at a graduation ceremony.

How Katie O’Dair makes kings, comedians, and parents feel welcome on campus.

A profile illustration of a man surrounded by colorful, whimsical text in multiple languages.

For both American and international students, growing up is like learning a new language.

An open book with a film strip emerging, trailing popcorn and a dancer silhouette.

Readers Respond to Our Adaptations Survey

We asked people to share their favorite art adaptations. Here’s what they said.