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Howard Marks
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Mr Nice: An Autobiography Paperback – July 3, 2018

by Howard Marks (Author)
4.3 out of 5 stars 1,768 ratings
At the height of his powers, Howard Marks - or 'Mr Nice' - was smuggling up to thirty tons of dope from Pakistan and Thailand to America and Canada. How did a nice Welsh boy and Oxford graduate end up with forty-three aliases, eighty-nine phone lines and twenty-five companies to his name, and contacts within MI6, the CIA, the IRA and the Mafia?

Mr Nice is Howard Marks' staggering story of Britain's most wanted man: the dazzling ascent and crashing comedown of one of the twentieth century's most notorious and eccentric drug lords. Audacious, seductive and rambunctious, it is a true crime classic.
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  1. Print length
    496 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Canongate Books
  4. Publication date
    July 3, 2018
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 1.3 x 7.7 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1786893002
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1786893000
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The Amazon Book Review
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Editorial Reviews

Review

The story of a remarkable life, lived by the very brilliant and exceptionally wonderful Mr Nice. (―IRVINE WELSH)

Frequently hilarious, occasionally sad, and often surreal. (–GQ)

About the Author

Howard Marks was an acclaimed travel and sports writer, TV personality and DJ. He had a series of successful one man shows and campaigned for the legalisation of marijuana. He died in 2016.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Canongate Books; Country Special - US exclusive reissue edition (July 3, 2018)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 496 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1786893002
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1786893000
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 12 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 1.3 x 7.7 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 1,768 ratings

About the author

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Howard Marks

Howard Marks

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
1,768 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the autobiography an interesting read and extremely informative, with one review noting how it provides honest insight into the author's life. The writing style receives mixed feedback, with some finding it easy to read while others note it's not the most advanced. The pacing is also mixed, with several customers describing it as slow.

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46 customers mention "Readability"42 positive4 negative

Customers find the book interesting and fun to read, with one customer particularly appreciating Mark's storytelling style.

"Detailed story of a bright, gregarious, handsome, versatile Oxford physics grad who got caught up in the grass and hash game on a worldwide basis..." Read more

"...This book Mia well worth the journey with him." Read more

"...It was very informative, amusing and authentic. His life was colorful which made me want to know more so I ordered the next book...." Read more

"Good reading...." Read more

9 customers mention "Informative"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book extremely informative, with one customer particularly appreciating its global references and another noting the author's generous sharing of philosophies.

"Detailed story of a bright, gregarious, handsome, versatile Oxford physics grad who got caught up in the grass and hash game on a worldwide basis..." Read more

"...He also generously shares his philosophies and deep love for his family. This book Mia well worth the journey with him." Read more

"...He will also provide the reader with an in-depth view of the pitfalls and ramifications of being a drug trafficker, to include on the international..." Read more

"...It was very informative, amusing and authentic. His life was colorful which made me want to know more so I ordered the next book...." Read more

4 customers mention "Authenticity"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's authenticity, with one noting it provides a true and honest look at a life.

"...It was very informative, amusing and authentic. His life was colorful which made me want to know more so I ordered the next book...." Read more

"...However, an interesting and honest look at a life, in my opinion, with so much potential wasted...." Read more

"Entertaining story and quite amazing that it is all true .Not sure how he remembered as much of his day today being as stoned as he was ." Read more

"fantastic story, very very funny and very honest. I have actually read this book about 17 years ago, but it is so good I wanted to read it again." Read more

12 customers mention "Writing style"7 positive5 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the writing style of the book, with some finding it easy to read while others note it is not the most advanced.

"Marks is absolutely hilarious. He's smart, he's articulate and it's said that at one point of time 1 in 3 joints smoked in the UK was provided..." Read more

"...I found this very interesting. Other than that, there is way too much jibberish and unnecessary (pretend)facts which could have been left out...." Read more

"Not the most advanced writing style, but the story is good. Quick & easy read. Scary what the govt can & will do to those that don't conform." Read more

"Enjoyed the global references, well written, interesting read...." Read more

5 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive2 negative

Customers have mixed opinions about the pacing of the book, with several finding it slow.

"...The reader will appreciate the fast paced tempo of this book, as you will be hard pressed to put it down, and will may change their individual..." Read more

"...was interesting enough, and the stories are funny, but it just dragged on for so long. Watching the percentage slowly tick over was painful...." Read more

"Not the most advanced writing style, but the story is good. Quick & easy read. Scary what the govt can & will do to those that don't conform." Read more

"Slow to start, but really good read from about halfway to the end..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Paul M. Sullivan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Catch Me If You Can story--super fun ride.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    Detailed story of a bright, gregarious, handsome, versatile Oxford physics grad who got caught up in the grass and hash game on a worldwide basis for nearly two decades.
    When he fell he fell hard. The DEA prick Lovato arrested him, which Nice deserved but imprisoned his wife too for more than a year in the US away from family and young kids in Spain. Lovato threw Nice into maximum security prison with murders for 6 years. Howard Marks served his time teaching prisoners. He never dealt nor was involved in anything but grass and hash during his dealing days.
    It was a fun read... DEA LOVATO--a real scumbag.
    Enjoy!!! This book reminded me of Catch Me If You Can.
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Alma Sauls
    4.0 out of 5 stars Exciting Life Story
    Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2020
    Verified Purchase
    My only complaint would be that it is too long and detailed. Mr. Marks gives a macro view of details that cloud his broad themes. That being said, he tells his story and shows what he has learned throughout his life. He also generously shares his philosophies and deep love for his family. This book Mia well worth the journey with him.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Deuce
    5.0 out of 5 stars Extremely informative with precision details
    Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    The author provides the reader with an honest insight into why he as a convicted drug trafficker should not be viewed or penalized as he was once sentenced following the guilty verdict. He then expounds into why drugs should not be viewed as illegal, based on the societal view of drugs.
    He will also provide the reader with an in-depth view of the pitfalls and ramifications of being a drug trafficker, to include on the international stage. These consequences include everything from the obvious of prison, to extradition from competing countries of whom seek to meet out their individual justice based on the country's specific law.
    The reader will appreciate the fast paced tempo of this book, as you will be hard pressed to put it down, and will may change their individual viewpoint of how they view the global epidemic of "illegal drugs:. Regardless of your view prior to reading this book you may have a differing view, either more disdain for the drug issue or a more empathetic view for those of whom traffic these drugs making it more readily available than getting a can or bottle of alcohol. This global scourge is probably only second to the global issue of illegal arms trafficking, and how the politicians or elected officials continue to handle the issue, either draconian or inept depending on the individual reader's view.
    All the while as you read this book, the mantra of, "truth is stranger than fiction will resonate within your mind, as you turn each page". A must for true crime aficionados.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • Carlos A. Simmons
    5.0 out of 5 stars Mr Nice
    Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Heard about his death in TIME mag and decided to read about his life. It was very informative, amusing and authentic. His life was colorful which made me want to know more so I ordered the next book. No movie could cover all the details he packed in the one book.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • Dylan Weston
    3.0 out of 5 stars Crime does not pay even if one claims a philosophical basis to it!
    Reviewed in the United States on July 30, 2016
    Verified Purchase
    A very self-serving biography in which a man spends his time high and trafficking marijuana worldwide. Seldom does any philosophy come across as a sincere protest against society's norms per se, but rather a self-serving criminal activity which provides him with money, marijuana of the best kind and as much as he likes, adventure and a lifestyle of comfort and travel while no real work is ever done. Clearly the DEA and its officials really have no respect for the law or sovereignty and anyone's rights and so they also labor under the same rule "the ends justify the means" thus corruption abounds on both sides of the legal line. Morality as such is never at issue as it is not about morality but rather simply the hedonistic life of drugs and how to fund the activity. The main character David Howard Marks--Mr. Nice--is apparently likeable but because of my own feeling of revulsion for his lifestyle I found my bias colored my liking of him. He has an Oxford degree apparently not especially hard won and then proceeds to waste the hopes of his family and also their finances when aged 45 and yet professes great love and loyalty toward family. However, an interesting and honest look at a life, in my opinion, with so much potential wasted. The poor man died in 2015 of cancer and should be congratulated for not presenting his life as glamorous but rather fraught with anxiety and pain.
    8 people found this helpful
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  • ERW
    4.0 out of 5 stars Mr Nice
    Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2013
    Verified Purchase
    Good reading.For a person to be so smart and to spend so much time on the wrong side of the Law, just to find himself helping others on the wrong side of the Law by giving them what was locked away in that smart mind, to get them on the good side of the Law.And by doing so help himself become a better person.
    One person found this helpful
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  • david in CA
    5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great read
    Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Marks is absolutely hilarious.
    He's smart, he's articulate and it's said that at one point of time 1 in 3 joints smoked in the UK was provided by him.
    The book is real eye opener, though i am sure Marks was not beyond a little artistic license when writing it.
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  • Harry Kim
    5.0 out of 5 stars POT 420 LOVERS MJ ALL DAY 247
    Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2018
    Verified Purchase
    One of the greatest rags to riches to prison story ever told by the ever so clever Howard Marks. This autobiography rocks, ever since I purchased this book its been turned into TV shows, etc. Sent this copy to a friend in prison who loved it.
    5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Benjamin de Tudela
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, fun to read, and a learning experience
    Reviewed in Spain on December 17, 2012
    Verified Purchase
    This is the auto biography of a drug dealer who portraits himself as a good guy that can do no harm. But wait, as soon as you start reading, his wit, his very smart, British (or Welsh should I say) and ironic sense of humor, and his superb prose makes you like him. You suddenly want him to win and the good guys, the cops, to lose. This is a must read if you like history, if you like auto biographies, if you like thrillers, and if you like just that: good stories well told. The guy? probably a crook, but hey, he does have a point, or doesn't he? Enjoy!
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  • Marco_MR
    5.0 out of 5 stars Addictive
    Reviewed in Mexico on March 13, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Please allow me to introduce myself as a man of wealth and taste. Amazing book. His history was completely mesmerising.
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  • Joshua Cristall
    4.0 out of 5 stars Good book
    Reviewed in Australia on April 29, 2014
    Verified Purchase
    Mr. Nice is a great book. Howard is clearly a very intelligent man and that comes across in his writing. Highly recommend to all, except babies. They generally cannot read.
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  • Giulio
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ottimo
    Reviewed in Italy on January 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Arrivato in ottime condizioni
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  • ConstantGardener
    5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 18, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I had the pleasure of meeting Marks in Liverpool and his character seems to fit how the book is written. Just a really nice guy!

    This takes you through his early years right the way through to the time the book was written. The characters in it are very entertaining, especially the Irish! It is well structured and I like how certain characters are revisited over the years which really gives you a good feel of the passing of time. It also shows the very human side of Marks and his unfair treatment.
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