Chapters 13-16, 1983-1986 Summary and Analysis

In Chapter 13 1983-1984, Richard regains full control of Virgin as it becomes a leading independent record label with enough cash for him to actively seek other challenges. Richard's sister Vanessa recommends Robert Devereux for Virgin Books. Robert reorganizes it as Virgin Publishing, with himself as chairman, and suggests "Virgin Vision" to diversify publishing into British films. Robert redirects Virgin Vision to film and video distributing, with sales of fifty million pounds by the late 1980s. Randolph Fields calls Richard to ask his interest in the Gatwick to New York route left by Sir Freddie Laker in 1982. Richard decides to take a one year trial. He calls Boeing, Sir Freddie Laker and others to partner with Randolph, although that does not work out so Richard goes ahead on his own.

Chapter 14 1984 describes Virgin Airways' Maiden Voyager trans-Atlantic flight...