Cornelius Vanderbilt: Railroad Tycoon

by Cassandra Schumacher

Overview

Cornelius Vanderbilt was born for business. Though poorly educated, he built an empire on steam power and died a millionaire. Fueled by the spirit of competition and possessing a brilliant mind for business, Vanderbilt became the first true industrial tycoon. He dominated the shipping industry with steamboats and railroads. Vanderbilt changed the way business was done in America. Readers explore the life and triumphs of America's first industrial titan through photographs, anecdotes, sidebars, and more.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781502645395
Publisher:	Cavendish Square Publishing, LLC
Publication date:	07/30/2019
Series:	Great American Entrepreneurs Series
Pages:	128
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.30(d)
Age Range:	14 - 17 Years

Editorial Reviews

11/01/2019

Gr 8 Up—In these six volumes, readers are presented with famous inventors and industrialists. Each title includes an introduction to the subject, an overview of the time they lived in, a chapter on rivals, friends, and influencers, and legacies as well as biographical information and achievements. Andrew Carnegie foresaw a future with steel and became a wealthy but philanthropic magnate, Henry Ford revolutionized the assembly line, Cornelius Vanderbilt enriched himself through railroads, Madame C.J. Walker sold hair care and cosmetics specifically for black women. Unfortunately, the narratives read like recitations of facts and opinions. Given the format, much information overlaps. For example, the death of Benjamin Franklin's four-year-old son is referenced four times. Though critics of the entrepreneurs are featured, the books tend to be adulatory. VERDICT Uninspiring narratives mean few readers will move past the first chapters, and report writers will find better information elsewhere.

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