Titan: The Life of John Rockefeller Sr.

Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

by Ron Chernow

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16306 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	834 pages

FREE

In the annals of American business history, few figures loom larger than John D. Rockefeller. As the founder of Standard Oil and one of the richest men in history, Rockefeller's life is a fascinating tapestry of wealth, power, and enduring legacy.

Humble Beginnings

Rockefeller was born in 1839 in Richford, New York, the son of a farmer and a devout Baptist mother. His early life was marked by hard work and frugality. At the age of 16, he left home to work as a clerk in a Cleveland, Ohio, shipping company.

The Birth of Standard Oil

In 1863, Rockefeller and several partners founded a small oil refinery in Cleveland. The company, which would eventually become Standard Oil, quickly grew into a dominant force in the oil industry. Rockefeller's ruthless business tactics and consolidation of the oil market made him a controversial figure, but also a formidable businessman.

Unprecedented Wealth

By the late 19th century, Standard Oil controlled over 90% of the oil refining capacity in the United States. Rockefeller's personal wealth soared, making him one of the richest men in the world. His fortune was estimated at over $300 million in 1900, equivalent to over $10 billion in today's dollars.

Philanthropy and Legacy

Despite his immense wealth, Rockefeller was also a generous philanthropist. He donated millions of dollars to educational institutions, hospitals, and other charitable causes. His philanthropic legacy continues today through the Rockefeller Foundation, one of the world's largest charitable organizations.

Rockefeller's death in 1937 marked the end of an era in American business history. His legacy is complex and multifaceted. He was a ruthless businessman who amassed an unprecedented fortune, but he was also a generous philanthropist who made a significant impact on the world.

"Titan: The Life of John Rockefeller Sr."

In "Titan: The Life of John Rockefeller Sr.," author Ron Chernow provides a comprehensive and engrossing biography of one of the most iconic figures in American history. Chernow delves into Rockefeller's early life, his business career, his philanthropy, and his enduring legacy.

Chernow's book is a must-read for anyone interested in American business history, philanthropy, or the life of one of the most influential Americans of the 19th century. It is a captivating and thought-provoking biography that sheds new light on a complex and controversial figure.

Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

by Ron Chernow

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	16306 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	834 pages

FREE