Titan: The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

This is my first ever experience with reading a Ron Chernow book.I was looking to read a biography on a prominent American and stumbled upon recommendations about TITAN during my research over internet.When I ordered this book, I did not know what to expect and how long I’d be interested in continue reading. I have many unfinished books (fiction as well as non fiction) because I lost interest or figured out what the theme/story line will be for the remainder of the book or on some occasions simply because the writing style was not for me.But for me, this book is the best example of superior writing style. I got so impressed by the usage of a vast vocabulary and weaving of complex bits of stories without losing continuity and context that I had to look up other works by the author.Next in line for me is Hemilton, which I have already bought.There are many biographies on Rockefeller and those who are born and raised in the USA would have already known about this highly controversial figure, yet this book is a must read for all who wants to read an unbiased account of Rockefeller’s life and work.Ron Chernow has done an excellent job in researching and portraying the peripheral events and circumstances which certainly influenced the man and contributed towards shaping him into who he was. Reading this book helps one understand the brilliant and complex mind of Rockefeller which was hermetically sealed away even from his own children.It is a compact read that is choke full with information. This book not only portrays the unimaginable success story of rags to reaches but also helps the readers to glimpse at an era prior industrial revolution, how it all started and shaped America into who she is now - a global super power.This book created a new found respect in me for this powerful self made man who quietly kept giving to the humanity. Yet there is the other side, who came across as a secretive person determined to not let his early days of business and birth of Standard Oil resurface in public mind, which makes me wonder how ethical was he in his business approach, at least in the beginning?And these conflicting thoughts and debates in my mind were all introduced by the author. This is the tellatale sign of an extraordinary writer, in my humble opinion. Books should be informative, insightful and yet written in such an unbiased way that in the end the readers can debate different points and form their own opinion. And this book does exactly that.The narrative is from a person who saw Rockefeller neither as a protagonist or antagonist, nor did his story telling revealed any bias that might have formed based on historical accounts (from specific people) of life and work of this Great man named John Davison Rockefeller.How many can actually build something from scratch and then make it absolutely gigantic? That also after coming from a troubled unknown background and minimal education? How many can remain austere and simple in their approach to life even after being declared the richest man on this earth? How many can actually give silently?Needless to say, this book has created a great impact in my mind and influenced me for better.Read this book and decide for yourself.

First, the author. I had previously read: Washington, Hamilton and Grant. Each successively became my favorite until Titan. Perhaps it was more about the subject than the substance, but I still like Grant as being his best. Chernow makes a snarky comment about US Grant as President but Titan was written years before Grant. I have the most profound respect and admiration for Chernow and this is clearly a 5-star read!Second, I read the Kindle version. Since I had eye surgery, I had to use 1.5 readers but had no issues.Lastly, John D. Rockefeller, Sr (JDR) was a unique American! He lived (1839 -1937) in a turbulent time of our history. He avoided the American Civil War by claiming he had to support his mother and sibling as his father had abandoned the family. He was born in New York, was an abolitionist and an Evangelical Baptist. His advanced education was a 10-week course in bookkeeping.When the Civil War ended, JDR saw an opportunity in the oil business (the commercial production of kerosene). He perceived that free competition only created chaos with both the supply and price. His Standard Oil Company, initially started in Cleveland, Ohio eliminated all the competition and established a monopoly that ultimately extended worldwide. The book suggests that JDR sold a quality product at a fair price. The book does not address the issue of income tax and whether the personal income tax levied by Lincoln was assessed against business. At any rate, JDR ultimately became the wealthiest man in the world ($418B equivalent in 1913) and will probably maintain that status for ever. One by product of kerosene was gasoline. At the time there was no use for it and in the absence of an EPA it was wasted on land and in the waterways. JDR’s Standard Oil profited when gasoline powered the automobile industry. Finally, the government busted the Standard Oil trust, creating 34 separate business entities. Since JDR had a 25% interest in Standard Oil, as punishment, he was awarded a 25% interest in each of the 34 businesses. The oil business was basically recession/depression proof and benefitted from WWI during JDR’s lifetime. He died at 99.There is no doubt that JDR was a philanthropist. Early on he supported his church in Cleveland. He also gave funds to Spellman College and established the University of Chicago. Later, he supported medical issues and facilities. Many were skeptical of his motives but was besieged for help with this, that and the other projects. I believe that JDR’s, Sr greatest legacy was his son, JDR, Jr. He was tasked to administer his father philanthropic efforts. This became his full-time job. Among a host of other efforts, JDR, Jr built the Rockefellers Center in New York City and restored colonial Williamsburg. When he did get involved in the business operations, he tried to influence a labor dispute that ultimately ended in violence and death (the Ludlow Massacre).His was a masterful life and this story was professionally researched and written. There are probably hundreds of descendants of JDR, Sr whose inheritance made them self-sustaining from day one. Many others have involved themselves in business and politics and helped make our society better.