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Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness

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Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness

by Donald L. Barlett

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3577 KB
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Print length	:	692 pages

Howard Hughes was an American business magnate, investor, aviator, engineer, film producer and director who became one of the most wealthy and influential men in the world. He was known for his eccentric personality and his obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Early Life

Howard Robard Hughes Jr. was born on December 24, 1905, in Houston, Texas. His father, Howard Robard Hughes Sr., was a successful businessman and inventor. His mother, Allene Stone Gano, was a socialite and philanthropist. Hughes had a younger brother, Everett.

Hughes was a brilliant child. He showed an early interest in aviation and engineering. He built his first airplane at the age of 14. In 1924, he enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to study aeronautical engineering. However, he dropped out after one year to pursue his aviation career.

Aviation Career

In 1925, Hughes set a world record for flying from Los Angeles to Chicago in under 8 hours. He followed this up with a series of other aviation achievements, including setting a new world speed record in 1935.

In 1939, Hughes founded Hughes Aircraft Company. The company produced a variety of aircraft, including the H-1 Racer and the XF-11 reconnaissance plane.

Film Career

In the 1930s, Hughes began to produce and direct films. His most successful film was _The Outlaw_ (1943),which starred Jane Russell. The film was banned by the Catholic Church and the National Legion of Decency due to its sexual content.

Hughes also produced and directed a number of other films, including _Hell's Angels_ (1930),_Scarface_ (1932),and _The Roaring Twenties_ (1939).

Eccentricity and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Hughes was known for his eccentric personality. He was a recluse who rarely left his home. He was also a germaphobe who washed his hands frequently and wore gloves to avoid contamination.

Hughes was also diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). He had a variety of obsessions, including fear of germs, fear of accidents, and fear of sharp objects.

Hughes's OCD became increasingly severe over time. He spent hours each day performing rituals, such as washing his hands and checking locks. He also became increasingly paranoid and isolated himself from the outside world.

Later Life and Death

Hughes retired from public life in the late 1950s. He spent the rest of his life in seclusion, living in a series of rented homes and hotels. He died on April 5, 1976, at the age of 70.

Legacy

Howard Hughes was a complex and controversial figure. He was a brilliant businessman and innovator, but he was also a deeply troubled man. His life and legacy are a reminder of the power and the fragility of the human mind.

Howard Hughes: His Life and Madness

by Donald L. Barlett

4.4 out of 5