Titan

Archival Summary & Scope

National Book Critics Circle Award Finalist.
From Ron Chernow, acclaimed, award-winning author of *Alexander Hamilton*, comes *Titan*, the essential biography of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. A "Jekyll-and-Hyde" figure of American capitalism, Rockefeller was both a ruthless "robber baron" who founded Standard Oil and a prodigious philanthropist. Drawing on unprecedented access to his private papers, Chernow reconstructs Rockefeller's troubled origins, single-minded pursuit of wealth, profound religiosity, and wry sense of humor. This balanced, revelatory work unveils the enigma of a man who profoundly shaped American industry and philanthropy.