Robert Slater: The Prolific Biographer of the Powerful
A Life of Chronicling the Influential
Robert Slater, the renowned American author and journalist, left an indelible mark on the literary world with his impressive portfolio of over two dozen books. Slater's flair for biographical storytelling earned him a reputation as the go-to chronicler of the lives of influential political and business figures, including
Golda Meir,
Yitzhak Rabin,
George Soros, and Donald Trump.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 1, 1943, in Manhattan, Slater grew up in South Orange, New Jersey. He graduated from Columbia High School in 1962 and went on to earn a degree in political science from the University of Pennsylvania in 1966, graduating with honors. Slater further honed his skills by pursuing a master's degree in international relations from the London School of Economics in 1967.
A Career in Journalism
Slater's journalistic journey began in 1969, when he joined United Press International (UPI). He worked with UPI until 1971, before relocating to Jerusalem, where he continued to work for UPI until 1974. During his stint in Jerusalem, Slater also worked for
Time magazine from 1976 to 1996. From 1987 to 1990, he held the position of chairman of the Foreign Press Association in Israel.
A Prolific Author
Slater's writing career spanned multiple decades, during which he penned an impressive array of biographies and books. Some of his notable works include:
- Golda: The Uncertain Glory (1981) - a biography of Golda Meir, the first female Prime Minister of Israel
- Rabin of Israel (1993) - a biography of Yitzhak Rabin, the fifth Prime Minister of Israel
- Soros: The Life and Times of a Messianic Billionaire (1997) - a biography of George Soros, the billionaire investor and philanthropist
- No Such Thing as Over-Exposure: Inside the Life and Celebrity of Donald Trump (2005) - a biography of Donald Trump, the 45th President of the United States
Personal Life and Collaborations
Slater lived in Israel for much of his life, where he met his wife, Elinor. Together, they co-authored two books:
Great Jewish Women and
Great Jewish Men. In his later years, Slater was a columnist for
The Jerusalem Report and mentored young journalists at
The Jerusalem Post.
Legacy
Robert Slater's remarkable body of work has left a lasting impact on the world of biographical writing. His meticulous research and engaging storytelling have made his books must-reads for anyone interested in the lives of the powerful and influential. Slater's legacy continues to inspire new generations of writers, journalists, and historians.
Farewell
Robert Slater passed away on March 25, 2014, in Jerusalem, at the age of 70, due to complications from the flu. His remarkable life and work will be remembered for years to come.
FAQ
What is Robert Slaters area of expertise as an author?
Robert Slater is a business author and journalist, specializing in leadership, management, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on the strategies and practices of successful CEOs and companies.
What is Robert Slaters most popular book?
Robert Slaters most popular book is The GE Way: How to Get Results, which explores the leadership and management strategies of General Electric under Jack Welch.
Has Robert Slater interviewed notable CEOs?
Yes, Robert Slater has interviewed a range of notable CEOs, including Jack Welch, Bill Gates, and Andy Grove, and has written extensively about their leadership approaches and philosophies.
What is Robert Slaters approach to leadership development?
Robert Slater believes in the importance of continuous learning and self-improvement for leaders, and advocates for a focus on strategic thinking, innovation, and teamwork.
What is Robert Slater doing now?
Robert Slater continues to write and speak on leadership and management topics, and is a sought-after speaker and consultant for organizations around the world.