This is actually a rather nice book but it is about Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney and not "the Commodore." While still certainly not the book I was expecting it pleased my better half none the less. It's got lots of photos and illustrations.

A well researched and documented tome about a man who chose to succeed on his own terms, The Legend of Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney is an engaging book about an extraordinary man. For anyone who would like to learn about his heritage, his schooling and experiences that formed the foundation of his adventurous life, my wife and I highly recommend this book. You won't be sorry that you purchased it.