Chernow is one of the few biographers who can take an enormous amount of information on a subject and create a book that is even-handed and interesting. Since this is a figure that is both reviled and lionized, I think the author's purpose was to present all sides to this complex person and let the reader come to his own conclusions. Chernow's research of Rockefeller's childhood reveals a lot about the way he turned out as an adult, and the author's writing style points out both his strengths and shortcomings as well as showing how Standard Oil's rise to the top came about and the ruthless actions Rockefeller took to get it there. In the latter part of the book, as Rockefeller retires and ages, the book concentrates mostly on John Jr. as well as his daughters and heirs. While this was necessary for a complete story, I felt some of this could have been edited better. This is still a first-rate, detailed biography.

Backed by an impressive research effort, Chernow presents the long life of John D. Rockefeller, Sr. in lucid and gripping prose. Presenting an objective, balanced portrait of the "Titan," the author convincingly refutes older biographical works that characterized Rockefeller as either wholly just (Allan Nevins) or evil incarnate (Ida Tarbell). Here is a man who exemplified the American "can-do" spirit through his creation of the modern oil industry from an initial $1800 investment. Rockefeller's Standard Oil trust produced a cheap and reliable illuminant used by tens of millions in America, Europe and Asia, providing many with what quickly became a necessity of life. His University of Chicago went from virtual nothingness to a world-class learning institute within a decade; his medical charities saved tens of thousands of lives by eliminating hookworm in the American South and yellow fever throughout the world. Chernow, however, does not gloss o! ver Rockefeller's use of political corruption and predatory business tactics to achieve these ends. Chernow concludes that Rockefeller's approach did not arise from a Jeckyl and Hyde complex, nor from a desire to use his charities as a balm to soothe his conscience. Instead, Chernow convincingly argues that Rockefeller's misdeeds and acts of kindness arose from the same peculiar source: his firm belief that both his business and his charities performed the work of God. "Titan" is an amazing work, which details not only Rockefeller's rise to power but the intricacies of his complex personality as well. A must for any fan of American history.

I think that Ron Chernow faced a difficult task in the writing of 'Titan'; taking one of the most controversial figures of American business and cultural history and delivering a profile that is relatively balanced and insightful. Although it was fairly apparent that Chernow resides in the "JDR was a benevolent robber baron" camp, he was successful. 'Titan' delivers a fascinating portrait of a complex individual. The contrast between Rockefeller's strict Baptist principles, as well as nearly monastic physical habits, and his aggressive pursuit of wealth through ruthless business practices was well illustrated. The two constants in his life revolved around wealth: its creation and its distribution. From his youth, Rockefeller expressed a desire to make money, and once he earned it, to distribute it charitably.

I think that what should be taken away from 'Titan' is that John D. Rockefeller was neither an angel nor a demon, but like most people, had a complex personality that included self-directed rationalizations for his actions. Granted, the scope of his accomplishments was wildly different from most peoples', but in the end he was like any other person: eager for success, concerned with the well-being of his family, and full of his own personality quirks and contradictions.

At a price of over $1,000, I had expected a very interesting look at one of my faviorite industrialist genuises. J.D. Rockefeller Sr. is one of the most interesting Captians of Industry both personally and professionally I have seen in my life. These published papers of his were a deeper insight into his mind and how it worked. This most fascinating man had class, style, intelligence, and logic. I can tell by these papers that he is not only consevative but also not, contratry to popular belief, an ultra malterialist. He beleived he needed to surround himself with such riches and luxuries to "meet the social image of a man of my stature". These papers are a must for any "fan" of John D. Rockefeller Sr., founder of the Standard Oil Trust and richest, in most all respectes, man of his time.