A landmark work from one of the preeminent historians of our time: the first published biography of Andrew W. Mellon, the American colossus who bes...
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reviews
Jan 26, 2010
Steven
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David Cannadine's massive and detailed biography of Andrew W. Mellon is a well done examination of one of the major business figures in American history. He became a key figure in companies such as Gulf Oil, Alcoa, and, of course, Mellon National Bank, among others.
The biography begins with a background of the family, to provide context for Andrew Mellon's life. His own father, "Judge" Mellon, had been a "larger than life" figure, working until late in his life. More...
The biography begins with a background of the family, to provide context for Andrew Mellon's life. His own father, "Judge" Mellon, had been a "larger than life" figure, working until late in his life. More...
Jun 25, 2009
Eric
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I saw the movie Duplicity last night and it reminded me of some espionage in the art world. The book Mellon: An American Life by Professor David Cannadine conveys how art dealer Joseph Duveen bribed household help to find out what Andrew Mellon, banker, Treasury Secretary and benefactor of the National Gallery thought about recent or future art acquisitions. In addition, Duveen gained access to Mellon’s trash to garner more details.
“Mellon had been quite correct in surmising earlier More...
“Mellon had been quite correct in surmising earlier More...
Dec 11, 2010
Andrew Mellon was the original supply-sider. He did wonderful things for our country, but toward the end of his life was hounded by FDR.
Dec 22, 2011
Rick
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For me, Mellon was a good book not only because it was well researched and written but because I knew so little about Andrew Mellon. I always associated him with banking and had no idea he was the source of funding of major companies like Alcoa and Gulf oil. I also didn't know he was the force behind the National Gallery of Art in Washington D.C.. I have been to the Gallery on several occasions and never knew it was his art collection that was the initial source of the exhibits. Very interesting
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Feb 23, 2011
Les
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Very long but a great history of the entire family, beginning with Thomas Mellon (The Judge); really showing how they played a major role in American history.
Jan 17, 2012
Ed
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This was an amazing book - extremely well written, detailed, and researched. A great view of American history, politics, art and the Mellon family. The events of today (polarized political camps) is also demonstrated during the 20's and 30's of the last century. This is not a fast read.
Dec 16, 2009
Grumpus
rated it: 
This is based upon the audio download from [http://www.Audible.com]
Narrated by: John H. Mayer
L...O...N...G...everyone's life story is interesting but this was just so long that I could not wait for it to end.
Narrated by: John H. Mayer
L...O...N...G...everyone's life story is interesting but this was just so long that I could not wait for it to end.
Aug 12, 2009
Barbara
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Reading this book reminds me of Adam's texted message from the tap dance show. Good thing I do not currently have any shoelaces.
Jul 13, 2007
David Rose's mother (Joanna Rose) highly recommended this book for its history of Pittsburgh.
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