The Reviews

A breathless spin through a quite literally unbelievable life, Mr Internet TV: The Ego and the Id by John Bentley is a raucous tale of ambition, hedonism, and evolution.

Benefitting from the laurels of a silver-spoon upbringing, the author details his astronomic rise in the business world thanks to his prophetic ability with media and technology, and manipulating the allure of celebrity. From childhood recollections of wartime Brighton and a sky-high social circle to erotic Hollywood rendezvous and scaling the mountain of a filmmaking empire, this sprawling memoir transports readers into the rarefied air of life at the top. Bentley is an unapologetic polymath and skirt-chasing storyteller, but this feast of name-dropping and jaw-dropping recollections is worth the price of admission.

Each of these meticulously detailed stories is flavored with Bentley’s rough-hewn voice and wry, shoulder-shrugging wit, one firmly rooted in an era more concerned with attitude and results than feelings and methods. While some of his anecdotes can be overly explicit or unapologetically blunt, he makes it clear early on that his intention is to document a remarkable story, not appeal to a sensitive audience. At times, the level of procedural detail slows the overall pace, without adding much texture to the prose, but many of his stories are so astounding that it transcends issues with the process.

Embodying the advice he once received from a Harvard professor, “Blow your own trumpet. Nobody else will,” this larger-than-life story is a sometimes crude but always fascinating memoir that unveils the inherent bravado of success in show business.

Editor, Self Publishing Review Journal

Mr Internet TV: The Ego and the Id by John Bentley follows his life after his father's passing, working in London and then Australia, before returning home via an adventurous route and using inheritance money to kickstart his real life. Bentley increases his wealth through acquiring and managing companies, eventually founding Barclay Securities.

John Bentley’s Mr Internet TV: The Ego and the Id reads less like a conventional memoir and more like an expansive portrait of a life shaped by ambition, adventure, and social curiosity. Bentley moves comfortably between the Scottish Highlands and the Côte d’Azur. The writing is straightforward, and the memoir will appeal to readers who enjoy seeing the rhythms of a distinctive career. Very highly recommended.

Mr. Internet TV: The Ego and the ID by John Bentley provides insight into the life of a man who has had many roles, including tycoon, media mogul, inventor, and adventurer. Spanning decades, the book traces Bentley's extraordinary journey, from his early years navigating family complexities to his rise as a powerful figure in the business world. His story includes anecdotes that explore business, entertainment, politics, and society, offering a detailed portrait of his life. The memoir is divided into five parts, each covering different phases of Bentley's life. His encounters with royalty, celebrities, and global influencers demonstrate his ability to navigate seamlessly between different worlds.

John Bentley's writing style is conversational and candid, and the included images evoke nostalgia, offering a more intimate glimpse into his life. The book is filled with fascinating characters, including Brigitte Bardot, Princess Margaret, and Adnan Khashoggi. Mr. Internet TV: The Ego and the ID is a fascinating account of a life marked by ambition, innovation, and personal growth. Whether recounting his entrepreneurial endeavors or reflecting on his relationships, Bentley offers a unique perspective on the intersection of ambition and humanity. It is a story of vision, risk, and the pursuit of dreams.

When talking about the early days of pay TV, few remember John Bentley. Even fewer realize that this modest man was the driving force behind Viewcall, a pioneer in the Internet TV industry. Among those familiar with this critical piece of history, not everyone knows that Viewcall wasn't Bentley's first venture into the competitive world of international business. In his unique memoir, Bentley details how humble beginnings and early setbacks shaped his character and motivated him to succeed, as he faced vindictive politicians and vengeful family members along the way.

John Bentley recounts his early years with a mix of bluntness and cheerful optimism, mainly when reflecting on his complicated relationship with his father. He discusses the treatment he received after his father's death with a similarly stoic outlook, sprinkled with a touch of mischief. Bentley sets the scene by sharing a vivid adventure in Asia and the Middle East, highlighting moments that shaped his life experiences. His detailed account of business dealings reveals the fragile balance between business and politics. Mr. Internet TV: The Ego and the ID offers valuable insights for those looking to navigate the entrepreneurial world.

Mr Internet TV: The Ego and the Id by John Bentley is the story of a life that crosses continents, industries, and social worlds. Bentley worked in London finance and Australia’s investment field before building a business empire. He bought major companies in advertising, media, and film, including Shepperton Studios and British Lion Films, and also created inventions from pre-mixed baby bottles to home movie machines and early Internet TV, experiencing both business successes and failures. Along with his work, he has had an exciting social life, has traveled widely, and suffered through knotty family relationships.

John Bentley’s Mr Internet TV is a gem of mixed experiences founded on Bentley's family history. Scientific genetics is all the rage right now, but Bentley's is cemented in stories stretching back centuries. Among them are George Brydges’ marriage in 1652 and Thomas Le Savage’s role in the Norman conquest of England in 1066. Bentley's voice is clear, and the writing style is conversational, even friendly. It's not all rainbows and unicorns, though. Overall, this memoir is a time capsule of Bentley's big footprint in the world we inhabit today.

“There are those who are deadly serious about the importance of money and style, but I was not. I liked having both and what it bought, and I enjoyed it as a game.” Perhaps, but as illustrated in Mr Internet TV: The Ego And The Id, a memoir by John Bentley, having an abundance of cash makes a huge difference in life. Beginning with his early years during World War II, John recounts his experiences growing up with a wealthy father and a much younger mother as he navigates the ups and downs of early adulthood. His journey includes traveling to Australia as a teenager and a return trip to England via Asia. Gradually, John evolves into a man eager for success and fortune.

Mr. Internet TV: The Ego and The Id by John Bentley is an entertaining and adventurous read that goes beyond a typical memoir, telling a captivating story. The book offers a fascinating perspective on one man's life journey, providing glimpses of both recent history and the past. It emphasizes that thinking outside the box can yield excellent results if applied at the right moment. The people mentioned are celebrities and prominent figures, and it’s a treat to see them through the eyes of someone who experienced it all firsthand. Overall, Mr. Internet TV is sure to fascinate many readers.