John Jacob Astor and the First Great American Fortune

The biography explores the remarkable journey of a German immigrant who became the first modern millionaire before the term was widely recognized. It highlights his status as one of the wealthiest Americans in history and examines the public discourse surrounding wealth and responsibility following his death in 1848. The narrative contrasts criticisms of greed with admiration for his innovative spirit, offering insights into the complexities of wealth and philanthropy in the context of 19th-century America.