In 'The Robber Barons', Matthew Josephson explores the cutthroat world of America’s Gilded Age, illuminating the lives of tycoons who amassed vast fortunes while bending the rules of capitalism. Through gripping narrative and rich detail, he unveils the morally complex legacy of figures like Carnegie and Rockefeller. Readers will encounter tales of ambition, greed, and the relentless pursuit of power that shaped a nation. But beneath the surface of wealth and success lies a darker story of exploitation and social upheaval. This book invites you to question the price of progress and the human cost of the American Dream.
By Matthew Josephson
Published: 1962
""In the pursuit of wealth, some men become titans, while others remain mere shadows, revealing the relentless ambition and moral ambiguity that shaped America’s industrial landscape.""
Includes material on John D. Rockefeller, J. Pierpoint Morgan, Cornelius Vanderbilt, William H. Vanderbilt, Andrew Carnegie, E.H. Harriman, Jay Gould, Jim Fisk, Jay Cooke, Daniel Drew, Henry C. Frick, James J. Hill, Charles M. Schwab, Henry Villard, Standard Oil Company, trusts.
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Matthew Josephson was an American author and biographer known for his insightful and engaging narratives. Born in 1899, he made significant contributions to American literature during the early to mid-20th century. His notable works include 'The Robber Barons', which explores the lives of America’s industrial giants, and 'The New Tycoons', a critical examination of the emerging business elite. Josephson’s writing is characterized by its clarity, rich detail, and an ability to weave complex historical contexts into compelling stories. In addition to his biographies, he also wrote essays and articles that reflected his deep understanding of American society and culture.
Key information about the book.
Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Showing 8 of 26 similar books
Brandon Stanton is an American photographer and author, best known for creating Humans of New York, a photography project that shares the personal stories of everyday people. Through his portraits and interviews, Stanton captures the diverse experiences of people in New York City and around the world, offering intimate insights into their lives. Humans of New York has become a global phenomenon, with millions of followers on social media and several best-selling books. Stanton’s work has expanded beyond photography to include fundraising campaigns that have raised millions of dollars for individuals and charitable causes. His ability to connect with people and share their stories has made him one of the most impactful storytellers of his generation.
View CollectionJohn Doerr is an American venture capitalist and chairman of Kleiner Perkins, one of the most prominent venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. Doerr has backed some of the biggest names in tech, including Google, Amazon, and Netscape, and has played a crucial role in the rise of the internet economy. He is also the author of Measure What Matters, which popularized the concept of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) as a method for goal-setting in organizations. Doerr is a passionate advocate for addressing climate change and has invested in clean energy startups to help combat global warming. His contributions to tech and sustainability have made him a leading figure in venture capital.
View CollectionJoe Rogan is a multifaceted American entertainer known primarily for his work as a comedian, podcast host, and commentator. He gained widespread recognition through his immensely popular podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," which has featured in-depth conversations with a diverse array of guests, including scientists, celebrities, and politicians. Though not primarily known for literature, Rogan has contributed to the field with his thought-provoking discussions that often explore philosophical and intellectual ideas. Additionally, he has authored the book "Mastering the Rubber Guard," which delves into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, showcasing his expertise in martial arts. Rogan's influence extends beyond traditional media, impacting contemporary discourse through his unique blend of humor, curiosity, and critical thinking.
View CollectionCharlie Munger is an American investor, businessman, and philanthropist, best known as the vice chairman of Berkshire Hathaway, where he partners with Warren Buffett. Renowned for his insights on investment strategies and mental models, Munger has significantly influenced the world of finance. His notable literary contributions include "Poor Charlie's Almanack," a compilation of his speeches and writings that distill his wisdom on decision-making and business principles. Munger's work emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary thinking and continuous learning. Beyond his financial acumen, he is celebrated for his charitable efforts, particularly in education and healthcare.
View CollectionAlex Honnold is an American professional rock climber, best known for his free solo ascent of El Capitan in Yosemite National Park, a feat that was documented in the Oscar-winning film Free Solo. Honnold is renowned for his mental toughness, technical skill, and ability to climb without ropes or safety equipment. His accomplishments have made him a legend in the climbing world, and he continues to push the boundaries of the sport. Outside of climbing, Honnold is a philanthropist, founding the Honnold Foundation, which supports environmental sustainability projects, particularly in solar energy.
View CollectionPatrick Collison is an Irish entrepreneur and co-founder of Stripe, a global technology company that enables businesses to accept online payments. Along with his brother John, Patrick has transformed Stripe into one of the most valuable private tech companies in the world. Stripe’s innovative approach to online payments has made it a key player in the financial technology space. Collison is known for his deep interest in science, technology, and policy, often engaging in conversations about innovation, progress, and how to improve societal outcomes. He is an advocate for scientific advancement and the intersection of technology and public policy.
View CollectionBen Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.
View CollectionBarack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 23 related collections
“"In the pursuit of wealth, some men become titans, while others remain mere shadows, revealing the relentless ambition and moral ambiguity that shaped America’s industrial landscape."”
The Robber Barons
By Matthew Josephson
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.