Wow! eBook
Commodore: The Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt
Author(s): Edward J. Renehan Jr. (Author)
- Publisher: Basic Books
- Publication Date: 16 Oct. 2007
- Language: English
- Print length: 352 pages
- ISBN-10: 0465002552
- ISBN-13: 9780465002559
Book Description
This is the first modern biography of an American financial giant.Using previously unreleased archives, Edward J Renehan Jr narrates the compelling life of Cornelius Vanderbilt: wilful progenitor of modern American business. Vanderbilt made his initial fortune building ferry cargo routes for sailing vessels. Then he moved into steamboats and railroads. With the New York Central, Vanderbilt established the nation’s first major integrated rail system, linking New York with Boston, Montreal, Chicago and St Louis. At the same time, he played a key role in establishing New York as the financial centre of the United States. When he died in 1877, Vanderbilt left a fortune that, in today’s money, would dwarf that of even Bill Gates.Off Wall Street, Vanderbilt was a hard-drinking egotist and whoremonger devoid of manners of charity. He disinherited most of his numerous children and received an editorial rebuke from Mark Twain for his lack of public giving.”Commodore” sheds startling new light on many aspects of Vanderbilt’s business and private life including, most notably, the revelation that advanced-stage syphilis marred his last years. This is the definitive biography of a man whose influence on American life and commerce towers over all who followed him.
Editorial Reviews
Review
“(F)ascinating…There are many lessons the modern day entrepreneur can learn from Commodore.” Scotland on Sunday –Scotland on Sunday
About the Author
Edward J Renehan has given talks and lectures throughout the United States, and has appeared on numerous TV shows. He lives with his wife and two children in Rhode Island.
