American Dreamer

The son of Greek immigrants who ran a diner in Kearny, Nebraska, Pete Peterson has lived the American dream on a scale the few experience. In this delightfully candid and astute memoir, Peterson tells a story full of family, love, business, politics, ambition, idealism, failure, and fulfillment. Scenes from his remarkable life:

• His days as a marketing whiz and "Mad Man" in Chicago, where he became a Vice President of McCann-Erickson at the age of 27.
• His crash course in executive leadership when he was named president of a major manufacturing company at age 34, making him one of America's rising corporate stars.
• His sudden elevation to Chairman and CEO of Lehman Brothers in 1973, as the firm was on the brink of collapse, his successful turnaround from losses to record profits, and his abrupt departure.
• His decision in 1985 to co-found The Blackstone Group, a private investment banking firm that became a galvanizing force in capitalism, elevating Peterson to his current phase of life-billionaire philanthropist.
• His latest venture, The Peter G. Peterson Foundation, dedicated to targeting the undeniable, unsustainable and untouchable threats to the nation's future.

Full of sharp portraits and humorous, telling descriptions of the many statesmen and financiers he's known over the years, and a deep level of personal revelation, The Education of an American Dreamer is a richly satisfying journey through a fascinating man's life.