Titan

The Life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr.

By: Ron Chernow

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

Length: 35 hrs and 3 mins

Publisher's summary

John D. Rockefeller, Sr., history’s first billionaire and the patriarch of America’s most famous dynasty, is an icon whose true nature has eluded three generations of historians. Now Ron Chernow, a National Book Award-winning biographer, gives us a detailed and insightful history of the mogul. Titan is the first full-length biography based on unrestricted access to Rockefeller’s exceptionally rich trove of papers. A landmark publication full of startling revelations, the book indelibly alters our image of this most enigmatic capitalist.

Born the son of a flamboyant, bigamous snake-oil salesman and a pious, straitlaced mother, Rockefeller rose from rustic origins to become the world’s richest man by creating America’s most powerful and feared monopoly, Standard Oil. Branded "the Octopus" by legions of muckrakers, the trust refined and marketed nearly 90 percent of the oil produced in America.

Rockefeller was likely the most controversial businessman in our nation’s history. Critics charged that his empire was built on unscrupulous tactics: grand-scale collusion with the railroads, predatory pricing, industrial espionage, and wholesale bribery of political officials. The titan spent more than 30 years dodging investigations until Teddy Roosevelt and his trustbusters embarked on a marathon crusade to bring Standard Oil to bay.

While providing abundant evidence of Rockefeller’s misdeeds, Chernow discards the stereotype of the cold-blooded monster to sketch an unforgettably human portrait of a quirky, eccentric original. A devout Baptist and temperance advocate, Rockefeller gave money more generously than anyone before him - his chosen philanthropies included the Rockefeller Foundation, the University of Chicago, and what is today Rockefeller University. Titan presents a finely nuanced portrait of a fascinating, complex man, synthesizing his public and private lives and disclosing numerous family scandals, tragedies, and misfortunes that have never before come to light.

John D. Rockefeller’s story captures a pivotal moment in American history, documenting the dramatic post–Civil War shift from small business to the rise of giant corporations that irrevocably transformed the nation. With cameos by Joseph Pulitzer, William Randolph Hearst, Jay Gould, William Vanderbilt, Ida Tarbell, Andrew Carnegie, Carl Jung, J. P. Morgan, William James, Henry Clay Frick, Mark Twain, and Will Rogers, Titan turns Rockefeller’s life into a vivid tapestry of American society in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is Ron Chernow’s signal triumph that he writes this monumental saga with all the sweep, drama, and insight that this giant subject deserves.

©2004 Ron Chernow (P)2013 Blackstone Audio

Excellent book - a balanced assessment

I enjoyed thoroughly. It reads a little dryly, but the subject matter and the time lends itself to such. Rockefeller himself is an interesting man and makes this a worthwhile read.

Exhausting at times, but worth the effort

I found Titan more trying and intense than some other Ron Chernow books, but maybe that is appropriate for such a mysterious, obfuscated subject. Chernow upholds his reputation for exhaustive research and personal illumination, and Gardner's narration is strong if occasionally mechanical.

Formidable. Fascinating. Fulfilling.

Worth every minute of it's 35 hours. John D. Rockefeller ultimately contributed more to the fabric of this constitutional republic than any statesman, Supreme Court Justice, artist or fellow so-called Robber Barons. From the corporate structures and trusts he wrought from self will and self preservation to his progeny all burdened with incomprehensible wealth to the vast endowments and charitable giving whose mark remains today across the globe and at home. He was indeed international citizen number one.

Wow, I knew this man had been a complicate influence on modern America but…

When I hadn’t realized was how much daily life reflected in the actions of him and his family hundred years ago, especially in the New York City area. All in all a good read, very interesting if a little Soft on the negative impact Of his monopolies

A keen glimpse at an icon

Never knew much about Rockefeller, but after this book I feel a whole new appreciation for that name. Lots of lessons to be taken, from the good and the bad. Highly recommend.

what a life.

I could have listened to this book 24/7 , and I did.
Story long & detailed, but that's the way i like them.
Rockefelder not only showed you how to make money, but he tsught how to give & spend the money

One of the best audible biographies

From start to finish, it was well narrated & written. You get to relive John's life

Excellent Book

This was an amazing read. Mr. Chernow is one of the most skilled writers of our time.

Very Interesting and Insightful

I found the book to be very interesting and insightful!

It seemingly gave a clear account from their perspective which included multiple aspects of John D Rockerfeller’s life.

I’m happy that I chose to listen to it!

Loved this biography!

I thoroughly loved this book! It was beautifully written and perfectly read. I can’t believe how much John D. Rockefeller contributed to our society and the world.