The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt (Pulitzer Prize Winner)

I would imagine a huge amount of work must have gone into this book. The story truly is epic and spans a seminal period of US history. Vanderbilt seems to have influenced so many of the formative events of that time, far more so than the average run of the mill US president. He is admirable for his energy, intellect, focus, ferocious determination and straightforward dealing. He was also a buccaneer, obsessively frugal and competitive, and seemed to measure success entirely by the amount of money he could make and keep. The way he dealt with his family and his attitude to social matters would not attract much admiration today, but then he made his family fabulously wealthy and created many thousands of new jobs. More significantly, he helped breakdown the aristocratic cronyism inherited from the old world in ways which enabled the US to lay the foundations of its future wealth. According to the book, and it is persuasive, Vanderbilt created and refined business models which are in wide use today. It reminds us of the old truths - success being a product of consistent, long term effort, rather than short term enthusiasm, the importance of being able to handle disappointment and failure, the willingness to develop judgement and take calculated risks, etc. I loved the book because, amongst its many qualities, it is well structured, easy to read and avoids the kind of sensational treatment characters like Vanderbilt sometimes attract. It does not pronounce judgement. Rather, it demonstrates an even balance and historical scholarship. But, it also reads like an adventure story and could make a stunning film with a Daniel Day-Lewis in the title role. My only criticism is that the although the book has been beautifully produced, I would have preferred a lightweight paper back version which didn't consume so much of the luggage allowance.

Having recently been to North Carolina and visited Biltmore, I wanted to read more about Vanderbilt, and how he made his fortune. This is a very well researched and written book, and apart from telling the story of Cornelius Vanderbilt himself, it is a fascinating history of the United States in the Nineteenth Century, the early days of steam paddle boats and railways, the Civil War, and the foundation of the US dollar, corporations, corruption in government and much more. Highly recommended.

A fascinating and well written book about a fascinating and great man. There is no question, but that Commodore Vanderbilt did much to create the world as it is today. This in itself justifies a biography of him. But his life’s story was also amazing.

Until I read this book I knew nothing about Vanderbilt. He was a real man of strength, ambition and most unusual in the realms of big business, Integrity. He came from nothing and became immense. I honour him for his achievements and moreso still for his self reliance. This book is well written, detailed and Inspirational.

Amazingly well researched history of the US that more should be interested in the beginnings of capitalism.

Biographies often stand or fall by the linguistic style of the author rather than the actions of the subject. In this case TJ Stiles does an excellent job of bringing to life the environment and times of Vanderbilt from his early years working on ships, through to monopolising the steamship industry and later the New York railroad system. Stiles clearly has a soft spot for Vanderbilt often denouncing criticism that others have laid at Vanderbilt's door (being self righteous, cold and a self serving autocrat.) Upon finishing the biography I felt as though I had thoroughly submerged myself in the topic and spurred me on to read more about the Vanderbilts generally. My only criticism is that there were no contemporary comparisons of the value of the dollar. It was quite hard to judge just how much $600,000 dollars was worth in 1860 and Stiles doesn't offer any assistance. However the subject was clearly researched and thoroughly footnoted which made the biography seem quite believable.

arrived on time, nice and neat. Wonderful writer,really does the home work and the reseach 100%. Many thanks for a great service.

One of the best books i have read, Buy it and thank me later.