Book Reviews
“The Endurable Alex Tilley artfully explores the fascinating journey of a groundbreaking entrepreneur, who was so much more than the creator of the perfect sailing hat. Chock-full of great stories and insights, Nancy Beal skillfully peels back the layers of an extraordinary life.”
~Terry Fallis, bestselling Canadian novelist and two-time winner
of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour
In her meticulously researched and highly readable biography of hatmaker Alex Tilley, Nancy Beal deftly weaves the personal story of a remarkable Canadian into a detailed account of his rollercoaster business career and ultimate success. It’s a compelling tale of one man’s dogged determination to achieve his dream despite daunting obstacles and his own mistakes.
~Simon Hally, veteran Canadian business journalist
Alex Tilley’s passion for quality, his marketing genius, and masterful copywriting made him a Canadian icon and a global brand. His story of entrepreneurial perseverance is fascinating, inspiring, and insightful. We can all learn from his challenges and his triumphs.
~Donald Cooper, business coach and management speaker
“Compiling years of research and thousands of source materials, Nancy Beal presents the engaging story of the Tilley Hat and its inventor, from Alex's youth to his retirement. With a sense of humour that would appeal to Alex, the master wordsmith himself, Nancy conveys the duality of Alex's character: the witty genius who became a Canadian icon and the entrepreneur whose loyalty and misplaced generosity nearly bankrupted his company twice. We tip our Tilley Hats to you, Nancy, for your tenacity in ferreting out myriad, complex details, and for your complementary skills as a biographer and storyteller.”
~Pat & Rosemarie Keough, photographers,
authors, explorers, and lecturers
Amazon Reviews…
5.0 out of 5 stars I've seen Alex throw a tantrum...or two.
Reviewed in Canada on March 3, 2024
As a one-time employee of Tilley Endurables I was practically salivating at the thought of reading an Alex Tilley biography. I knew enough about Alex and the company that the book would be brimming with atypical content. It is, after all, a portrait of a complicated man. The author gives us an unvarnished, yet appreciative, portrayal of Alex Tilley, and it's one that most Tilley Endurables devotees would enjoy reading. I'm equally confident in suggesting that 'would be' entrepreneurs should read the book too. It's chocked full of collateral business lessons. Was Alex Tilley unconventional? Ha! You won't know the half of it until you read the book, but I suspect you already have an inkling of well placed curiosity.
Drum T.
5.0 out of 5 stars Great biography of Alex “The Mad Hatter” Tilley
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a very readable book, chock full of details and anecdotes of the fascinating origin of the finest outdoor hat ever made and its intrepid inventor, Alex Tilley. The author’s prose is easy going and comfortable to read. So much so that I binged this book in two, rainy weekend days. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about The Hat, the Tilley family or anyone looking for an inspirational entrepreneurial tale filled with ups and downs, how-to’s and how-not-to’s. Enjoy!
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing book!
Reviewed in Canada on March 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
I met Alex's younger brother John (such a kind man, and he told me about the famous Tilley hat), and he told me about this book, so without delay I ordered it, and I'm so excited to jump into reading it. Loving it. Author is great.. when I'm walking, I see people with hats, I think of the Tilly hat!