A Full Cup: Sir Thomas Lipton's Extraordinary Life and His Quest for the America's Cup [Paperback]

Today Lipton means tea. However, in his time Sir Thomas Lipton was known for much more than the Lipton tea empire. Raised in desperate poverty, he would build a global empire of markets, factories, plantations, and stockyards. But his epic pursuit of the America’s Cup—a yachting trophy and the ultimate in international sport—made him a beloved figure on both sides of the Atlantic.

More than a story of innovation and achievement, A Full Cup also explores Lipton’s most intriguing creation: his public persona, formed by a burgeoning mass media and a shameless self-promotion that made him one of the most recognizable figures of his time. Michael D’Antonio brings to life the surprising careers of this intrepid sailor, gregarious showman, and ingenious self-made millionaire—the world’s very first celebrity CEO.“A captivating book.”—The Wall Street Journal

“[A] TRIUMPH… A Full Cup tells the story in a breathless style that will keep most readers racing through D'Antonio's account of this extraordinary character. A thrilling story you won't be able to put down.” – Connecticut Post

“A BRACING BIOGRAPHY of the man who can be called the original Richard Branson…an innovative businessman, philanthropically minded, and well-liked from the slums of New York to the palaces of Europe, all of which D’Antonio captures with aplomb” —The Daily Beast

“A Full Cup celebrates a remarkable man: a great philanthropist and entrepreneurial tradesman, blessed with style, flair and, most of all, great spirit.”—Washington TimesMichael D'Aló1