ISBN: 9781990973956
Ride or Die Press, 28 March 2025
Paperback, 352 pages
Sol Kerzner, the controversial and charismatic business tycoon, dominated the Southern African tourism landscape for decades. He left an indelible mark on the world, developing dream destinations like Sun City and The Palace of the Lost City in South Africa, and the Atlantis developments in the Bahamas and Dubai.
In this riveting memoir, Peter Venison – Sol’s longtime associate, confidant and eventual adversary – offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the life of Kerzner, whose legacy has long been shrouded in mystery, with no comprehensive biography until now.
Venison brilliantly fills in the gaps with vivid personal anecdotes and exclusive details, like the little-known relationship between Kerzner and Nelson Mandela during South Africa’s political transition in the early 1990s.
This tour de force unveils the true Kerzner: a mesmerising perfectionist, a relentless workaholic, and a chain-smoking, whisky-drinking genius who transcended borders to become a key player in the international hospitality industry and South Africa’s one and only Sun King.
“From Sun City to the Atlantis in Dubai, SOL provides a window into the genius of Kerzner, replete with expletive-laden quotes. A great read.” – Nicki Gules, News24
