By mid-nineteenth century, Meyer Amschel Rothschild's five sons
controlled one of the most massive fortunes in Europe. The
Rothschild name had become synonymous with the enormous political
and social power that often accompanied that wealth, the amassing
of which is remarkable considering the painfully modest beginnings
of its founder.
Born in the unimaginable squalor of Frankfurt's Jewish ghetto
(where he chose to spend his entire life), Meyer Rothschild
established a small trading and banking business that - despite
political, legal, and social constrictions segregating Jews from
the outside world -evolved into an empire that included the
financial centers of the world.
"Founder" is the story of Meyer Rothschild's times, of the
condition of the Jews, of the city-states before they were overrun
by Napoleon's troops. It is about the threshold of the modern era,
when the world of aristocrats and gentlemen was profoundly
influenced by a shrewd, dedicated, loyal father and his family.
Amos Elon's rich and evocative depiction of life in
mid-eighteenth-century Europe provides a vivid background against
which we come to understand and marvel at the strength and
perseverance driving this obviously extraordinary, humble man.
'Elon... has written a terrifically readable biography that does
more than illuminate the formerly shadowy figure who served princes
in what is now Germany. Through the prism of Mayer Rothschild's
life, Mr. Elon gives us a fascinating glimpse into how Europe - and
by implication, the New World - made the journey from mercantilism
to modern entrepreneurship....Mr. Elon's feat is in chronicling all
this with clarity and drama. "Founder" skillfully weaves history
into this story of human endeavour to create a memorable narrative
of Mayer Rothschild's time.'
Deborah Stead, "New York Times Book Review"
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