The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt
Technical:
- ID: 148
- Added: 2025-09-03
- Updated: 2025-09-03
- ISBN: 9780307271556
- Publisher: Vintage
- Published: 2009-04-21
- Reviews: 3
NATIONAL BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD In this groundbreaking biography, T.J. Stiles tells the dramatic story of Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt, the combative man and American icon who, through his genius and force of will, did more than perhaps any other individual to create modern capitalism. Meticulously researched and elegantly written, The First Tycoon describes an improbable life, from Vanderbilt’s humble birth during the presidency of George Washington to his death as one of the richest men in American history. In between we see how the Commodore helped to launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan, and invent the modern corporation. Epic in its scope and success, the life of Vanderbilt is also the story of the rise of America itself.
Reviews
Pull quotes
- He earned more than $1,000 in his first year.
- Through aggressive marketing, shrewd deals and undercutting the competition—traits that he would practice all his life—he earned more than $1,000 in his first year.
- Vanderbilt is deemed one of America's leading businessmen, and is credited for helping to shape the present-day United States.
Pull quotes
- Cornelius was a meticulous planner and analyst.
- Many people attribute his success to luck. In reality Cornelius was a super smart and astute business man and hands-on manager of his many businesses.
- Although he may have made some mistakes along the way, he was always able to either cut his losses or extract himself from the occasional debacle.
Pull quotes
- He used the boat to ferry passengers between Staten Island and New York City.
- During the next decade, Vanderbilt gained control of the traffic on the Hudson River by cutting fares and offering unprecedented luxury on his ships.
- Vanderbilt expanded his ferry operation still further following the war, but in 1818 he sold all his boats and went to work for Thomas Gibbons as steamship captain.