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  • Cornelius Vanderbilt - The Commodore: Insight and Analysis Into the Life and Success of America's First Tycoon

  • Business Biographies and Memoirs - Titans of Industry
  • By: J.R. MacGregor
  • Narrated by: Kevin Kollins
  • Length: 3 hrs and 2 mins
  • 3.5 out of 5 stars (11 ratings)
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Cornelius Vanderbilt - The Commodore: Insight and Analysis Into the Life and Success of America's First Tycoon cover art

Cornelius Vanderbilt - The Commodore: Insight and Analysis Into the Life and Success of America's First Tycoon

By: J.R. MacGregor
Narrated by: Kevin Kollins
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Summary

Cornelius Vanderbilt I had no illusions about his life. He didn’t start out with grand plans and ungodly greed. He merely stepped in this world one foot at a time, one boat at a time, one market at a time - one day at a time. He worked 16 hours a day, seven days a week. He worked hard and played hard. When all was said and done, though, he was a simple man who pushed the world of transportation to be all it could be - to be what it is today.

The times he lived through and contributed to is the history that forms the foundation of our present life. He teaches us through his actions how to hit the pavement of life every day relentlessly seeking to do better and to do it with pragmatism and realistic goals. He was tough as nails in body, mind, and spirit. He did what he wanted to and never hid it. Vanderbilt was never a hypocrite.

The greatest part of his life are the years when he bounced from shore to shore across all the islands in New York Harbor and then ventured farther inland, farther north, and even farther south until he became the first man to sail a steamboat up the San Juan River in Nicaragua in search of a path to cut from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

Vanderbilt was a man of steel, and we can learn incredible things from him, so scroll up and click the "Buy Now" button to start learning about America’s first tycoon.

©2019 CAC Publishing LLC (P)2019 CAC Publishing LLC

What listeners say about Cornelius Vanderbilt - The Commodore: Insight and Analysis Into the Life and Success of America's First Tycoon

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Recommended

Extremely interesting listen about the very colorful members of the extended Vanderbilt family and about him self beginning with the Commodore, himself. Written by J.R. MacGregor who apparently obtained access to all the fascinating family secrets. Great depiction of life among the leaders of New York society during the post Civil War period. Very easy and fun listening.

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An excellent listen

J.R. MacGregor approaches his subject with a very non-prejudicial mind and this allows the listener to make his own determination about Vanderbilt. Also, he approaches his subject with an eye to the whole arena of mid-nineteenth century history, particularly as it plays out in the dramatic changes in the business and political climate. His style is fluid and approachable. An excellent listen.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Great book

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I find it interesting how young men found ways to work the system and grow their businesses. It couldn't be done that way now because of the union, labor, monopoly laws, but at the time those laws were not in effect. Because they were not the country boomed with new ideas of transportation, banking, etc. An intriguing time. I highly recommend this book

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

The birth of a nation

In this remarkable book J.R. MacGregor not only describes in vivid colors how VanDerbilt built an all-time great fortune, along the way he also captures the birth of a nation that would soon rank as the world's most powerful. This is an epic tale that shows how the Yankee values of hard work, no bulls*** and frugality conquered the world. An excellent book!

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Meet Mr. Vanderbilt

Revealing biography about an unstoppable entrepreneur who fought for success with his head and his fists. The story further reveals the historical insights to the early development of American business which definitely have relevance in today's economy.

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    3 out of 5 stars
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What is it like

Plenty of new and interesting information regarding theCornelius Vanderbilt and his family as well as a good historical biographies of events surrounding their lives and family dynasty.

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An interesting collective biography

This gives an overview of many of the Cornelius Vanderbilt from the frugal beginning through the extravagance of the heirs to the inevitable decline. I had listen some of this before, especially about Cornelius Vanderbilt, but enjoyed learning about other family members.

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Interesting. Lots of facts

Interesting. Lots of facts about how much things cost - but since not compared to today's dollars, the constant statements about extravagance is hard to judge. First part of the book is more interesting because it tells you about the Cornelius Vanderbilt and his children - as it gets further, you get a lot of spending, but it's just not as interesting.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Overall good

An interesting look at an iconic family during the gilded age. It is fascinating to listen about the beyond lavish lifestyles of these billionaires. Sometimes I thought it got a little bogged down in details but the overall story sent me to research all of the people as I listen about him . Overall an intriguing look at the family and the time.

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