Steve Jobs biography is set for 21 November release

THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY of Apple's co-founder and CEO Steve Jobs is set for release on 21 November, over four months ahead of schedule.

The 448-page book, entitled Steve Jobs: A Biography, was originally planned for release on 6 March, 2012, but it appears that its author, Walter Isaacson was able to churn it out quicker than anticipated, helping ensure it's out in time for the Christmas shopping season.

The cover of the book shows Jobs in his trademark turtleneck and circular glasses, stroking his beard like an evil genius. It's remarkably simple, yet sure to be eye-catching on store shelves.

The book was written over a two year period after over 40 interviews were conducted with Jobs, in addition to hundreds more with his family, friends, colleagues, competitors and adversaries, but despite the close connections with Jobs and the fact that it will be the only fully authorised biography of him on the market, he will have little say over what is included. However, he said, "I don't have any skeletons in my closet that can't be allowed out."

The book promises to reveal the "rollercoaster life and searingly intense personality" of Jobs, according to 9to5Mac. It will also "provide an unvarnished view of the passions, perfectionism, obsessions, artistry, devilry, and compulsion for control that shaped his approach to business." Those worried that the book might be overly laudatory of Jobs might not need to fear, as the description includes this tidbit: "Driven by demons, he could drive those around him to fury and despair."

The book is being published by Simon & Schuster and should be available at all major bookstores, including online stores like Amazon and Barnes & Noble. The book was originally rumoured to be called iSteve: The Book of Jobs, but it seems that the publisher opted for a far simpler title.

A biography of Jobs is already available in the form of the unauthorised 2005 publication, iCon: Steve Jobs, The Greatest Second Act in the History of Business. This met with disapproval by Jobs and Apple and is likely the reason why Jobs agreed to help with an official version. µ