Customer Reviews
Buy This Book! - By: Charles W Hayles., 05 Dec 2008 
I have read this book three times, & I love it. I can't put it down. The subtle humourin it is superb, the story is told very well by his ghost writer (a few minor copy edit mistakes but what the hell) whoever he was.
To anyone familiar with the international offshore banking world as it was before the "war on terror" [sic], you guys will laugh your socks off at the happeningsin Hong Kong. Anyone who knows of Patrick Lane & the "Offshore Banking Report" of yore, will be shocked to find the relationship between Howard & him outlined. I suspect some of the knowledgein Dr W G Hill's works came from Patrick, learned from dealings on behalf of Howard Marks.
If international (celebrity interspersed) travel, spending obscene amounts of money, outwitting the authorities, crime stories & the general musings of a jovial Oxford educated cove float your boat, then read this book. If you have some previous understanding of the world it is setin - you will love it even more.
Tall tales from a dubious role model - By: Jim McTaggart, 20 Jul 2008 
Howard Marks has produced an implausible & glamorised account of the sordid world of drug-dealing & smuggling. By attempting to present this disgusting trade as humorous, he encourages gullible young people to admire those who engagein it. He portrays himself as an idealist distributing 'beneficial herbs'. It is more likely,in reality, that he exploited the weaknesses of others from selfish mercenary motives. An unrealistic & potentially harmful book.
El Fantastico!!! - By: Scruffy G, 01 Apr 2008 I recently stumbled upon this autobiography & was immediately drawn to it having previously heard of Howard Marks' exploits from friends & i must say what a fantastic read.
The story basically follows Marks' involvement with hashish & weed & his eventual involvement with global smuggling through the 70's & 80's. The authors ability to depict the wonderful characters that he meets & deals with, included my personal favourite, ex-IRA Jim McCann, means that I found this book impossible to put down. Whilst this book obviously is attractive to the liberal minded amongst us, this book can be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone as Marks' comes across as a thoroughly likeable oxford "chap" who simply lives out a glamarous life that many of us would certainly follow if had the chance. At no point do you genuinely feel that Marks is a mastermind criminal & all i can say is good on you son for pulling one over on the power that be. Fantastic!
Love it! - By: Ip W. C. Maggie, 26 Feb 2008 
He's a devil but i don't know after reading his real story, i like his humanity!
Extraordinary, controversial character. - By: mr Average, 22 Jan 2008 From the start this book grabs your attention.Howard Marks tells a fascinating tale about his life starting from when he went to universityin oxford to becoming an international dope smuggler.
He comes across as a nice friendly human being, so you don't put himin the same category as an evil crack peddler for example.His intelligence & memory for detail is outstanding but not boring.You have to have a good memory yourself for names & places to keep up with whats going on & hang on to the fast moving narrative.Highly recommended...weather you smoke or not.
