The Age of Big Business; a chronicle of the captains of industry   By: Burton Jesse Hendrick (1870-1949)

"The Age of Big Business: A Chronicle of the Captains of Industry" by Burton Jesse Hendrick offers a well-researched and compelling account of America's industrial revolution from the mid-19th to early 20th century. In this comprehensive book, Hendrick delves into the lives and achievements of some of the most influential figures in American business history, painting a vivid picture of their meteoric rise to power and their lasting impact on the nation's economy.

One notable aspect of Hendrick's work is his attention to detail. Through meticulous research, he provides readers with deep insights into the personal and professional lives of industry titans such as Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, and J.P. Morgan. By exploring their humble beginnings, calculated business strategies, and the challenges they faced, Hendrick humanizes these larger-than-life figures, allowing readers to better understand the forces that shaped America's industrial landscape.

Moreover, Hendrick masterfully weaves together individual stories within the broader context of America's industrial development. He discusses the key factors that led to the rapid growth of industries like steel, oil, and railroads, connecting the dots to demonstrate how these industries intertwined and relied on each other for success. This comprehensive approach provides readers with a holistic understanding of the intricate web of industrialization, making the book both informative and engaging.

Hendrick's writing style is both articulate and accessible. While the subject matter can be complex, he presents it in a straightforward and engaging manner, making it accessible to readers with varying degrees of familiarity with economic history. His ability to break down complex economic concepts and industry jargon ensures that even readers who are new to the topic can easily follow along.

However, it is worth noting that "The Age of Big Business" is by no means a neutral account. Hendrick admirably champions the achievements of these industrial magnates and portrays them in a positive light, emphasizing their entrepreneurial spirit and immense contributions to the nation's progress. Though this biased perspective might be a drawback for readers seeking a more critical analysis, it does provide a valuable insight into the prevailing sentiment of the time.

In conclusion, "The Age of Big Business" by Burton Jesse Hendrick is an engrossing exploration of America's industrial revolution. Hendrick's meticulous research, comprehensive approach, and engaging writing style make this book a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the transformative power of big business during this crucial period in American history. While it may not provide a completely unbiased perspective, it remains a thought-provoking and enlightening read.

First Page:

A comprehensive survey of the United States, at the end of the Civil War, would reveal a state of society which bears little resemblance to that of today. Almost all those commonplace fundamentals of existence, the things that contribute to our bodily comfort while they vex us with economic and political problems, had not yet made their appearance. The America of Civil War days was a country without transcontinental railroads, without telephones, without European cables, or wireless stations, or automobiles, or electric lights, or sky scrapers, or million dollar hotels, or trolley cars, or a thousand other contrivances that today supply the conveniences and comforts of what we call our American civilization... Continue reading book >>