Mr. Nice
Mr. Nice
Book Brief
Beta560
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Global • 1970s-1980s
2003
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Mr. Nice by Howard Marks is an autobiographical account of a person's life journey from being a respected academic to becoming one of the most notorious drug smugglers. The book explores themes of identity, criminal enterprise, and personal transformation, recounting the individual's multifaceted experiences within both legitimate and illicit spheres.
Informative
Adventurous
Humorous
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
12,436 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Howard Marks' Mr. Nice offers a compelling and entertaining autobiography of a drug smuggler with a wit and charm that captivates readers. The narrative is praised for its humor and engaging storytelling, yet some critics find its glorification of crime concerning and its detail occasionally overwhelming. Overall, it's a fascinating insight into an extraordinary life.
Who Should Read Mr. Nice?
A reader intrigued by Mr. Nice would enjoy vivid tales of adventure, crime, and counterculture. Fans of Blow by Bruce Porter or Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S. Thompson will appreciate its blend of humor, danger, and insider perspective on the drug trade. Adventure seekers and true crime enthusiasts fit the profile.
12,436 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Howard Marks, who wrote Mr. Nice, was a Welsh drug smuggler turned author and was known for having been involved in one of the most sophisticated international drug smuggling operations during the 1970s and 1980s.
Marks, a graduate in nuclear physics at Balliol College, Oxford, once had 43 different aliases and was connected to the CIA, the IRA, the Mafia, and various law enforcement agencies.
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Despite his criminal past, Howard Marks became a popular cultural icon in the UK, largely due to his wit and charisma, and even made a cameo appearance in the movie adaptation of his book, Mr. Nice.
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560
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Global • 1970s-1980s
2003
Adult
18+ years
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