The Life and Ventures of the Original John Jacob Astor
Elizabeth Louisa Gebhard
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John Jacob Astor was pre-eminently the opener of new paths, a breaker of trails. From his first tramp alone through the Black Forest of Baden, at sixteen, his life never lost this typical touch. In America, both shores of the Hudson, and the wilderness to the Northwest knew his trail. The trees of the forests west of the Mississippi were blazed by his hunters and trappers; and his partners and agents planted through this vast region the flag of the American Fur Company. The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans were invisibly lined by the path of his vessels. His were the first American ships to habitually circle the globe, trading around the earth. With his far-sighted vision withdrawn from distant scenes, and centered on Manhattan Island, he led the way toward the upbuilding of the largest, and most important city in the new world. (Summary from book's Foreword) (7 hr 30 min)
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Reviews
Facinating
Steve
This book spans the whole length of John Jacob Astor’s life from his childhood in Germany raised by French Heugonauts to his yearning to go to America, to that fortunate trip icebound on a ship where he first learns about the fur trade through many many more facets and events in his life. I especially appreciated learning that he was so successful because he treated the people he traded with in an honest, fair and respectful manner. The account of the Pacific Fur Company and the establishment of Astoria filled in many of the gaps I have been wondering about for years (having been born and raised in Oregon). Fascinating. Should be required listening in schools.