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The First Tycoon
The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
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Check link for latest rating. ( 8,902 ratings, 605 reviews)
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Format: Paperback / softback
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The First Tycoon
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?
A gripping, groundbreaking biography of Cornelius Vanderbilt, the combative business titan whose genius and force of will created modern capitalism.
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Description
The First Tycoon by T.J. Stiles is a masterful and detailed biography that chronicles the extraordinary life of Cornelius "Commodore" Vanderbilt. This compelling narrative takes readers on a vivid journey through Vanderbilt’s incredible rise from his modest beginnings to becoming one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in American history.
Born during the presidency of George Washington, Vanderbilt's ascent is a testament to his indomitable will and innovative spirit. The book meticulously details how Vanderbilt's strategic genius and relentless drive were instrumental in launching the transportation revolution, which included the development of steamboats and railroads. These enterprises not only fuelled the Gold Rush but also played a pivotal role in reshaping Manhattan and, ultimately, in the founding of the modern corporation.
Stiles's work is more than just a biography; it is an exploration of the rise of American capitalism itself. Vanderbilt's life, as portrayed in The First Tycoon, is an epic tale that highlights not just his business acumen and wealth but also his enduring impact on American society and the economy. The Commodore's successes and the innovations he championed are presented against the broader backdrop of a nation in transformation.
Awarded the National Book Award, this national bestseller is celebrated for its rigorous research and elegant prose. Stiles delves deep into historical records, uncovering the complexities of Vanderbilt's character and his ruthless business tactics, while also capturing the broader implications of his contributions to modern capitalism.
The First Tycoon is an essential read for anyone interested in American history, business, and the relentless pursuit of entrepreneurial success. It offers a sophisticated and engrossing look at a man who, through sheer determination and ingenuity, shaped the very foundation of America's economic landscape.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Reviews of The First Tycoon by T.J. Stiles praise it as a state-of-the-art biography, noting its superb research and writing. Critics highlight the book's ability to vividly portray Cornelius Vanderbilt and his significant impact on American economic history. Stiles' work is commended for its nuanced, balanced, and authoritative depiction, making it a monumental and definitive study of Vanderbilt's life.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9781400031740
Publisher: Random House USA Inc
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 20 April 2010
Country: United States
Imprint: Vintage Books
Illustration: 32 PP. BN&W; 6 MAPS
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 41.0mm
Width: 156.0mm
Height: 233.0mm
Weight: 839g
Pages: 736
About the Author
T. J. Stiles has held the Gilder Lehrman Fellowship in American History at the Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center for Scholars and Writers at the New York Public Library, taught at Columbia University, and served as adviser for the PBS series The American Experience. His first book, Jesse James- Last Rebel of the Civil War, won the Ambassador Book Award and the Peter Seaborg Award for Civil War Scholarship, and was a New York Times Notable Book. The First Tycoon won the National Book Award in 2009. He has written for The New York Times Book Review, Salon.com, Smithsonian, and the Los Angeles Times. He lives in San Francisco. Visit the author's website at www.tjstiles.com.
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