Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.
National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist
From the acclaimed, award-winning author of Alexander Hamilton: here is the essential, endlessly engrossing biography of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.—the Jekyll-and-Hyde of American capitalism. In the course of his nearly 98 years, Rockefeller was known as both a rapacious robber baron, whose Standard Oil Company rode roughshod over an industry, and a philanthropist who donated money lavishly to universities and medical centers. He was the terror of his competitors, the bogeyman of reformers, the delight of caricaturists—and an utter enigma.
Drawing on unprecedented access to Rockefeller’s private papers, Chernow reconstructs his subjects’ troubled origins (his father was a swindler and a bigamist) and his single-minded pursuit of wealth. But he also uncovers the profound religiosity that drove him “to give all I could”; his devotion to his father; and the wry sense of humor that made him the country’s most colorful codger. Titan is a magnificent biography—balanced, revelatory, elegantly written.
From the acclaimed, award-winning author of Alexander Hamilton: here is the essential, endlessly engrossing biography of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.—the Jekyll-and-Hyde of American capitalism. In the course of his nearly 98 years, Rockefeller was known as both a rapacious robber baron, whose Standard Oil Company rode roughshod over an industry, and a philanthropist who donated money lavishly to universities and medical centers. He was the terror of his competitors, the bogeyman of reformers, the delight of caricaturists—and an utter enigma.
Drawing on unprecedented access to Rockefeller’s private papers, Chernow reconstructs his subjects’ troubled origins (his father was a swindler and a bigamist) and his single-minded pursuit of wealth. But he also uncovers the profound religiosity that drove him “to give all I could”; his devotion to his father; and the wry sense of humor that made him the country’s most colorful codger. Titan is a magnificent biography—balanced, revelatory, elegantly written.
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Community Reviews
Well-written and very interesting. Although of all aspects of his life, it seemed to almost barely cover the 40 years building Standard Oil and the last half of the book was dedicated to his philanthropy and his children. He made constant references to *rumors* about his unethical business dealing (such as in Ida Tarbell's history of Standard Oil) but barely talked about the business and methods himself.
Also, I was mildly disappointed Chernow didn't talk about Rockefeller's work having to do with World War I even though I'm sure it must have been interesting.
Still it was a great business history, history of the modern US, and history of many major New York institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (founded by his daughter), Fort Tryon/The Cloisters (built by his son), Rockefeller Center (built by his son), Riverside Church (built by his son), Rockefeller University (built by him), Chase (John D Rockefeller side), Citibank (William Rockefeller side), and so on.
Also, I was mildly disappointed Chernow didn't talk about Rockefeller's work having to do with World War I even though I'm sure it must have been interesting.
Still it was a great business history, history of the modern US, and history of many major New York institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (founded by his daughter), Fort Tryon/The Cloisters (built by his son), Rockefeller Center (built by his son), Riverside Church (built by his son), Rockefeller University (built by him), Chase (John D Rockefeller side), Citibank (William Rockefeller side), and so on.
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