Kid Carolina: R. J. Reynolds Jr., a Tobacco Fortune, and the Mysterious Death of a Southern Icon - Hardcover

Schnakenberg, Heidi

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1599951037 ISBN 13: 9781599951034

Publisher: Center Street, 2010

Synopsis

The Reynolds tobacco family was an American dynasty like the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, and Astors. R.J. "Dick" Reynolds Jr. was born into privilege and decadence, but his disastrous personal life eventually destroyed almost every relationship he cherished and stole his health at a relatively young age.
Dick Reynolds was dubbed "Kid Carolina" when as a teenager, he ran away from home and stowed away as part of the crew on a freighter. For the rest of his life he'd turn to the sea, instead of his friends and family, for comfort. Dick disappeared for months at a time, leading the dual life of a business mogul and troubled soul, both of which became legendary.
Despite his personal demons, Dick played a pivotal role in shaping twentieth-century America through his business savvy and politics. He developed Delta and Eastern Airlines, single handedly secured FDR's third term election, and served as mayor of Winston-Salem, where his tobacco fortune was built. Yet below the gilded surface lay a turbulent life of alcoholism, infidelity, and loneliness. His chaotic existence culminated in a surprise fourth marriage and was shortly followed by a strange death, the end of a life every bit as awe-inspiring as it was disturbing.

About this title

About the Author:

Heidi Schnakenberg is a screenwriter whose first assignment out of college was a commission to write a film adaptation for Oscar-winning director Francis Ford Coppola. She is also a journalist and business editor who has written for dozens of Fortune and Global 500 companies, and her columns have appeared in several national and international publications. Heidi is a graduate of New York University's Tisch School of the Arts. She lives in California with her husband and son.

Review:

"Well-written, well-researched, engaging--this is history as it was meant to be enjoyed."―David Leonhardt, author of Climb Your Stairway to Heaven

"You will find this extremely well-written and fully researched volume to be both greatly illuminating and informative. I heartily recommend this detailed volume to all with an interest in the Reynolds name and the ages and eras in which this fascinating biography is framed."―Clay Marston, nephew of Muriel Reynolds

"Addicting! This book is an enjoyable and informative romp through the lives and landscapes of the heirs of the Gilded Age. It sheds new light on the economic and cultural circumstances that led to the dominance of corporate power today, and the human lives and tragic costs behind it."―Dr. Amy Trauger, assistant professor of geography, University of Georgia

"A captivating biography that reads more like a well-crafted novel. Schnakenberg presents an engaging and lively account of the life and struggles of R.J. Reynolds Jr., the heir to one of the greatest tobacco dynasties. A "must read," KID CAROLINA is an important work and valuable contribution to the interpretation of the wealth, generosity, and affliction of an American legend."―Lara Tal, producer, director, and writer

"A page-turner! A juicy and intriguing account of Dick Reynolds' life and legacy."―Nadia Yakoob, former editor-in-chief of the Georgetown Immigration Law Journal

"A life up in smoke, with plenty of heat, passion, and scandal along the way. Heidi Schnakenberg's lively chronicle of riches-gone-wrong proves that money may not buy happiness, but it sure makes for a good read."―Deborah Davis, author of Gilded: How Newport Became America?s Richest Resort

About this edition

• Publisher: Center Street
• Publication date: 2010
• ISBN 10: 1599951037
• ISBN 13: 9781599951034
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 352