Using previously unreleased archives, Edward J. Renehan Jr. narrates the compelling life of Cornelius Vanderbilt: willful progenitor of modern American business. Vanderbilt made his initial fortune building ferry and cargo routes for sailing vessels. Then he moved into steamboats and railroads. With the New York Central, Vanderbilt established the nation's first major integrated rail system, linking New York with Boston, Montreal, Chicago, and St. Louis. At the same time, he played a key role in establishing New York as the financial center of the United States. When he died in 1877, Vanderbilt left a fortune that, in today's dollars, would dwarf that of even Bill Gates. Off Wall Street, Vanderbilt was a hard-drinking egotist and whoremonger devoid of manners or charity. He disinherited most of his numerous children and received an editorial rebuke from Mark Twain for his lack of public giving. Commodore sheds startling new light on many aspects of Vanderbilt's business and private life including, most notably, the revelation that advanced stage syphilis marred his last years. This is the definitive biography of a man whose influence on American life and commerce towers over all who followed him.

About the Author

Edward J. Rehehan Jr. is the author of several books including Dark Genius of Wall Street, The Kennedys at War, The Lion's Pride, The Secret Six, and John Burroughs. He contributes to such publications as American Heritage and has appeared on the History Channel, C-SPAN, and PBS. He lives in Rhode Island.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

Online sellers of rare, out-of-print and used books, prints, maps and ephemera for 30 years

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Dorley House Books, Inc.
155 Cumberland St., P.O. Box 138, Clear Spring, MD, 21722, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

Please email any questions to us. CWO. Photos/scans available on request for books, prints and maps over $15.00. All books are returnable within thirty days if returned in the same condition as sent& with good reason. We prefer checks, money orders, or Paypal. All items subject to prior sale.We are a PC, 100% owned by Sandra & Jeffrey Inskeep-Fox

Shipping Terms

Domestic Media Mail is $4.85, Priority $7.3. Canadian orders add $8.00. To other locations, global priority $25 for flat rate envelopes. Orders over $45.00 must be insured at buyer's expense, others can be insured if requested and at buyer's expense. Orders usually ship within 2 business days. Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required. Please note that there is no longer an economy surface shipping to overseas locations.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 20 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 8.65	US$ 13.50

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.