Dominion: A Novel of the Du Ponts

Rowe, Jack

ISBN 10: 053115002X ISBN 13: 9780531150023

Publisher: Franklin Watts, 1986

Synopsis

Set against the backdrop of nineteenth-century history, this novel depicts the du Pont clan's bitter rivalries, clandestine loves, and brutal struggles for control of the powerful du Pont munitions empire

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

This historical novel is the second in Rowe's projected trilogy focusing on the duPont munitions empire. Actions begins in the 1840s with Henry duPont plotting against his brother for control of the gunpowder works. Michael Farrell, a Trinity-educated Irish immigrant, inadvertently runs afoul of duPont in a tavern fight, and over the next two decades their paths continue to cross. The unscrupulous duPont expands his empire by every possible means, while Farrell, a friend of duPont's nephew Lammot and an avid chemist, finds his career tied to the munitions giant. When Farrell marries the niece of one of duPont's powdermen, his personal life too begins falling under duPont's mantle. There is a vast panorama here, of person, place and event. We follow Farrell into action in the Mexican War, through an Anglo-French blockade in the Crimea, and during his Civil War service as a Union spy. Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis and Zachary Taylor make appearances, as do abolitionists, arsonists, Irish priests and scheming wives. Though this blend of fact and fiction is well researched, so much is covered that little justice is done to any of it. Rowe's straightforward plot and lucid writing keep confusion to a minimum, but this novel would be improved by more depth in a smaller surface.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

The second installment in the author's du Pont family trilogy, this describes the friendship and partnership of Lamont du Pont and Irish immigrant Michael Farrell, who join forces to wrest control of the du Pont munitions empire from its ruthless director, Henry du Pont, Lamont's uncle. U.S. historical background is threadbare, with years spanning major events such as the Civil War passing too quickly to seem plausible. Still, Rowe does a good job with the development of the munitions industry, tightly merging "real" and fictional characters to provide a fast-reading, often absorbing novel. Certainly readers of the first novel, Brandywine , will want this.Lydia Burruel Johnson, Mesa P.L., Ariz.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 053115002X
• ISBN 13: 9780531150023
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 372