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"John D. Rockefeller, Sr. history's first billionaire and the patriarch of America's most famous dynasty is an icon whose true nature has eluded three generations of historians. Now Ron Chernow, the National Book Award-winning biographer of the Morgan and Warburg banking families, gives us a history of the mogul ""etched with uncommon objectivity and literary grace...as detailed, balanced, and psychologically insightful a portrait of the tycoon as we may ever have"" (Kirkus Reviews). Titan is the first full-length biography based on unrestricted access to Rockefeller's exceptionally rich trove of papers. A landmark publication full of startling revelations, the book will indelibly alter our image of this most enigmatic capitalist. Born the son of a flamboyant, bigamous snake-oil salesman and a pious, strait-laced mother, Rockefeller rose from rustic origins to become the world's richest man by creating America's most powerful and feared monopoly, Standard Oil. Branded ""the Octopus"" by legions of muckrakers, the trust refined and marketed nearly 90 percent of the oil produced in America. Rockefeller was likely the most controversial businessman in our nation's history. Critics charged that his empire was built on unscrupulous tactics: grand-scale collusion with the railroads, predatory pricing, industrial espionage, and wholesale bribery of political officials. The titan spent more than thirty years dodging investigations until Teddy Roosevelt and his trustbusters embarked on a marathon crusade to bring Standard Oil to bay. While providing abundant new evidence of Rockefeller's misdeeds, Chernow discards the stereotype of the cold-blooded monster to sketch an unforgettably human portrait of a quirky, eccentric original. A devout Baptist and temperance advocate, Rockefeller gave money more generously-his chosen philanthropies included the Rockefeller Foundation, the University of Chicago, and what is today Rockefeller University-than anyone before him. Titan presents a finely nuanced portrait of a fascinating, complex man, synthesizing his public and private lives and disclosing numerous family scandals, tragedies, and misfortunes that have never before come to light. John D. Rockefeller's story captures a pivotal moment in American history, documenting the dramatic post-Civil War shift from small business to the rise of giant corporations that irrevocably transformed the nation. With cameos by Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst, Jay Gould, William Vanderbilt, Ida Tarbell, Andrew Carnegie, Carl Jung, J. Pierpont Morgan, William James, Henry Clay Frick, Mark Twain, and Will Rogers, Titan turns Rockefeller's life into a vivid tapestry of American society in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It is Ron Chernow's signal triumph that he narrates this monumental saga with all the sweep, drama, and insight that this giant subject deserves." Review: huge, full account of the richest man of all time... - don't be put off by the size of the book - it's huge. saying that it is thoroughly well researched and a great insight into the life story of the richest man the world has ever seen. i give this book 5 stars because it's written really well and i found that i couldn't put it down. if you are interested into the life story of rockefeller this is possibly the best book on the subject... Review: Fascinating read. - Un-biased biography.



| Best Sellers Rank | 14,460 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) 65 in Business Biographies & Memoirs (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.6 out of 5 stars 3,855 Reviews |
G**Y
huge, full account of the richest man of all time...
don't be put off by the size of the book - it's huge. saying that it is thoroughly well researched and a great insight into the life story of the richest man the world has ever seen. i give this book 5 stars because it's written really well and i found that i couldn't put it down. if you are interested into the life story of rockefeller this is possibly the best book on the subject...
M**.
Fascinating read.
Un-biased biography.
A**Y
Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. (Vintage)
Titan is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive biographies of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., offering a detailed look at his life, business empire, and personal values. Ron Chernow’s writing is thorough and well-researched, drawing on extensive historical sources to paint a nuanced portrait of one of America’s most influential figures. Strengths Depth and Detail: The book provides an exhaustive account of Rockefeller’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming the world’s richest man. Balanced Perspective: Chernow explores both Rockefeller’s ruthless business tactics and his philanthropic contributions, avoiding a one-sided portrayal. Engaging Narrative: Despite its length, the storytelling is compelling, blending historical facts with vivid descriptions of the Gilded Age. Weaknesses Length and Density: At over 700 pages, it can feel overwhelming for casual readers. Complexity: The detailed financial and corporate history may be challenging for those unfamiliar with business terminology. Occasional Bias: While largely balanced, some readers feel Chernow leans toward admiration of Rockefeller’s discipline and vision. Overall If you’re interested in American history, business strategy, or the origins of modern capitalism, Titan is a must-read. However, it’s best suited for readers who enjoy deep, detailed biographies rather than light summaries.
B**N
There are Great books and your delivery is good.
Great character, awesome book
S**R
Highly recommended!
Astounding book. Excellently researched and written. Full of great information. A must have for those interested in these biographies.
N**E
Must read
Great book. A very very interesting and great man. A business education in one book.
A**R
Great read, recommended to all entrepreneurs or successful minded individuals
I’ve always found biographies and autobiographies great reads. To be able to study successful people and emulate elements of their practices into your own life is a great way to build your own standard of wealth. This book by Ron Chernow is very well written. It is comprehensive and clearly illustrates what sort of person John D Rockefeller was as well as the struggles he had growing up. We often think that successful people have always had it that way, but this book illustrates the grit that is needed for one to become successful, no matter what their endeavour.
B**R
5 Stars
Complements Chernow's House of Morgan very well. Extremely in depth and interesting and has Chernow's even handedness for this at the time controversial character.
A**S
Winter stof
Ga ik dan lezen
K**D
Best book of the year.
Here's a few reasons you should read this book, 1. with the strength of his own conviction, Rockefeller chose his virtues and vices. He stuck to these virtues tirelessly. He believed himself to be a man of God and religion. He took several steps to ensure this idea was maintained. Come what may. He never questioned God. HIs faith gave him release when the world questioned his conduct. He only worshipped stronger. 2. The writing of this book is exemplary. The verses will hypnotise you with how well each page is written. You can live your whole life in the breath of a chapter of what Rockefeller did in a year. The reverence to the protagonist is well measured. 3. Rockefellers' words, ideas, thoughts, belief systems - will have an impact on the most surly of readers. you can't help but admire everything about him. 4. This is the best book I have read this year and I doubt I will read a better one. It was most arresting to follow the progress of Rockefeller. I read many biographies. This is one of the absolute best. Why? The chronology and characters in his life are all so well placed. 5. Where this is hypocrisy and counter objecting circumstance, the author soars and maintains a very equitable account. Not easy but masterfully done.
C**N
Jesús Talamantes
Existen muy pocas biografías tan bien documentadas como esta. Escogí este libro por conocer la forma de pensar de quien fuera el más grande empresario de sus tiempos y, que la a fecha, han perdurado sus empresas, renombre y prácticas. Recomendado para emprendedores
J**O
Excellent
All about the life of this tycoon.
W**N
Great Read
I really enjoy reading the in-depth research Ron Chernow brings to historical characters. After reading the life of Rockefeller, I could draw distinctive parallels between his life and how he built Standard Oil and that of Bill Gates and Microsoft. I would highly recommend this book and others I have read from this author. The detail, the events, the history and the story make it a hard book to put down
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