This is an informative and entertaining account of how to acquire a great education and a good job without classroom instruction or, as Bach puts it, how to become a buccaneer scholar. At 20, he became the youngest technical manager at Apple Computer and probably the only one whose highest academic credential was—and still is—an eighth-grade diploma. Now in his 40s, Bach runs a successful consulting business, and his work has been assigned reading for students at Stanford and MIT. As this book makes clear, Bach is also a gifted teacher. The steps along his road to achievement are detailed in clear chunks. Anyone looking for an instruction manual on how to get a high-quality education without having to show up for classes will find all they need here. The book may also be a healing balm to parents whose children are struggling in school, providing both with helpful tools.

"In straightforward language, James Bach details his methods, which could convert America's million-plus yearly dropouts into a new source of national wealth." -- JOHN TAYLOR GATTO, author of Weapons of Mass Instruction, former New York State Teacher of the Year

"Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar is about the thrill of taking responsibility for your own thinking. James Bach demonstrates that the pursuit of intelligence is what makes you intelligent, more than any inborn IQ or formal certification. His story is shameless, reckless and inspiring while his unique methods transfer competency to every reader. Secrets of a Buccaneer-Scholar is a wicked smart book about becoming wicked smart." -- STAN SLAP, president/CEO of slap, an international consulting group

"An informative and entertaining account of how to acquire a great education and a good job without classroom instruction...a healing balm for parents whose children are struggling in school, providing both with helpful tools." -- PUBLISHERS WEEKLY