This is a really fascinating, gossipy insight into Hughes and his narcissistic and neurotic life. Well written without a lot of boring historical harangue, this is a fine read to get the dirty skinny on a true American eccentric fat cat and how all the money in the world invariably couldn't save him from his own fears.
It starts out okay, but then it just goes and goes and goes, and before you know it you are having to force yourself to open it up and read it. The author adds a lot of nuances throughout the book in masse, that Hughes was a closet homosexual. I had heard rumors and still don't care if he was. He really wasn't anyone fantastical to remember, considering his accountant was the one who really made the Hughes fortunes for Howard. So he could play with his planes, and waste his money on his escapism ideals of movies. All in all if you have the time and want to the insight into this mans life, this is the book.
A basis for the major motion picture "The Aviator"