Business Movers The Missing Mogul | The Bouncing Czech | 1
Oct 17, 2024
A Czech refugee transforms into Robert Maxwell, embarking on a complex post-war journey in Britain. His ethical dilemmas in the publishing world spark fierce debates about morality in business. Witness his strategic rise through innovative publishing tactics, alongside the challenges of established competitors. As he navigates the political landscape, allegations of financial mismanagement overshadow his initial successes, revealing the true power dynamics between journalists and politicians. Maxwell's story is one of ambition, controversy, and the shifting tides of influence.
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Robert Maxwell's Origin Story
- Jan Hoch, a 16-year-old Czech refugee, escaped Nazi occupation in 1939.
- He joined the British Army, changed his name to Robert Maxwell, and never saw his family again.
Maxwell's Introduction to Publishing
- In post-war Berlin, Robert Maxwell, a British Army captain, met Ferdinand Springer, a German publisher.
- Springer's publishing house, Springer Verlag, faced paper shortages and export restrictions.
Maxwell's Early Business Ventures
- Maxwell secured funding from MI6 and Hambrough's Bank to import Springer Verlag's scientific literature.
- He partnered with Butterworths, a British publisher, and later formed Lange, Maxwell & Springer (LMS) as a distributor.