How They Blew It tells the story of 20 business leaders who went from paramount success to abject failure, resulting in the collapse of some of the world's most famous and supposedly successful businesses. Full of surprising details, and mind-blowing sums of money, it looks at the characteristics of these leaders and the fine line between hero and zero.

How They Blew It isn't a turgid or forensic examination of the rights and wrongs of each case; rather, it seeks to get into the minds of the people behind the business disasters and ask, "Why on earth did they do that?" It's a book about people, and why for some people enough is never enough. It pin-points pitfalls and highlights destructive personality traits, helping readers avoid making similar mistakes. With a look at the flamboyant lives and lifestyles of the people involved, How They Blew It includes profiles of Ken Lay (Enron), Bernie Ebbers (WorldCom), and James Cayne (Bear Stearns).

Jamie Oliver has over 15 years experience as a freelance journalist writing about business topics and entrepreneurs. Currently he writes for the Financial Times. Tony Goodwin runs the international recruitment business Antal and is one of the UK's most successful business service entrepreneurs.