Gordon Ramsay. The Biography :: Education by Design Store

Editorial Review

He has changed the way Britain eats, has cooked for prime ministers, has thrown Hollywood actresses out of his restaurants, is one of only three chefs in England whose restaurant is rated at three Michelin stars, and is on record for swearing more times in a single hour of prime-time television than anyone in the history of British broadcasting. Better known in the United States as the host of FOX's Hell's Kitchen, this former professional soccer player is one of the most driven, successful, and angry chefs around, and this first major biography details his story. Nothing is off-limits when Ramsay talks. He discusses the violent, alcoholic, absent father who died just days after the pair had been reconciled as adults; the best friend and protégé whose bizarre suicide came hours after the two had shared a final meal; the decade-long battle to save his younger brother from heroin addiction and crime; and the real reason why Ramsay wasn't at the birth of any of his four children—and has never changed a diaper in his life. Sometimes hilarious and frequently heartbreaking, Gordon Ramsay's inspiring tale runs from the low-income housing of Glasgow to the picture-postcard countryside of Stratford-upon-Avon to some of the finest and most expensive restaurants in the world.

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Customer Reviews

Doesn't Cut the Mustard

2008-08-12
If this biography was a dish on one of the episodes of Hell's Kitchen, Chef Ramsay would have told author Neil Simpson to "take off your jacket and leave Hell's Kitchen". I thought the book was poorly written and provided little more than superficial insight into Gordon Ramsay and his meteoric rise to success in the culinary world. Too much of the time the author seemed more interested in trying to justify the boorish behavior that Ramsay is known for as somehow being okay because of Ramsay's passion for food. In addition, the book portrays Ramsay as having an idealized family life that doesn't seem possible given the driven, workaholic nature of Ramsay. I would have prefered a book that provided a more balanced, and yes, more critical look at Ramsay.

Tabloid Writing - No Depth

2008-06-18
I agree with previous reviewers. This is short attention span writing. It jumps from one topic to another topic without going into depth. It felt like reading People Magazine and not a book.

Great book for Ramsey fans

2008-04-15
This was a great book. It really gives you insight to his behavior. (which is not bad) It was a page turner, and I finished it in a weekend.
He really had alot of disappointments in life but turned it all around. It gives you inspiration.
If you like Gordon,this is a must read.

Fascinating character, but tabloid writing a let down.

2008-04-10
I would consider myself a fan of Gordon Ramsey, I think his theories on management and what it takes to be a success could be a lesson to all. Also he has led what seems like a fascinating life, rising up from a rough part of Glasgow, dealing with the issues of a broken family and a promising football career ruined by injury. Sadly this book is written in little better than tabloid tidbits for those with a very short attention span. His childhood and motivations that led him to being a world class chef are glossed over and given about 30 pages. His troubled relationship with his father and its impact is mentioned several times in the book but never really elaborated on sufficiently. His early years as a chef are dealt with in about 15 pages and his years in Paris are given even less coverage despite Gordon's belief that they were absolutely central to him becoming the chef he is today. The author seems more interested in making constant references to Gordon's notorious foul mouth and his relationship with the tabloid press. What a shame there are so many more interesting facets to his life that could have been explored here.

Gordan Ramsay

2008-04-09
Truly an excellent book. This book opens your eyes to the hard work it takes to become a great Chef.
I recommend other Gordan Ramsay books.

Gordon Ramsay: The Biography

2008-03-30

Knowing Gordon

2007-12-29
I bought this book for my son John, who is a Chef, and he is currently reading it. He finds the book very insightful into the character and personality of Gordon Ramsay and what led him to becoming a Chef. Gordon fans will love this book. Serious Chefs will no doubt identify with Gordon at some level. Chef John loved this present!

Everything you've always wanted to know about Gordon Ramsay

2007-12-01
You won't find in this book. Although this book is very informative, it sums up every thing he has archieved through very hard work and the respect he earnes, it doesn't feel really personal at times. If you want to know more about Gordon's personal and love life, it's better to buy Humble Pie.

Gordon Ramsay

2007-11-05
+
This was good read -- you were given an insite on the language and treatment of people that are not American - the Britts tell it like it is and expect you to make the change and do it right or get out of the kitchen. In American it is very different, if you make a dish that may kill someone because you did something very wrong you just say ok and think well so what and if you do it again they want you to excuse them again - Mr Ramsay does not do that, he came up hard, works hards and earns the what he receives!!

Great

2007-01-21
This is one of the best biographies I have ever read. It tells of his past amd present and touches every aspect of his life. It tells of his struggles and his accomplishments. I could not put it down, I was literally reading it during class. This is a must read book if you can handle bad language and if you like cooking. This book should win an award.