Nothing was ever very ordinary about tycoon Richard Branson. Indeed, from childhood his mother, Eve, was intent on pushing his case socially in the hope that he would surpass his father's so-called lack-lustre career at the bar. So Ricky left school at Stowe early to start a student magazine, spread his face around as a student spokesman, and when his periodical failed, he used charm and respect to beat a path to the door of Virgin Records. And he was on his way. This is a book meant to give the total low-down on Britain's favourite self-made billionaire. It's about greed, ruthlessness and being in a balloon. And about image, chasing women and a passion for cross-dressing. Tom Bower serves up the bits about tax avoidance - not evasion, mind you - family trusts and off-shore companies. It reads like a racy novel, research is detailed - partying, promoting, bidding for the lottery all get an innings. Branson is a Labour luvvie, a mate of Cherie Blair's - even Margaret Thatcher couldn't resist his skills, entrepreneurial, that is. You mightn't believe everything you read here but you can't help but be amazed.