Rating: 
Summary: excellent biography, very thorough
Review: Challenging, long, and inspiring, the biography of the richest man to ever live by Ron Chernow really holds up to the name given to the book, "Titan". Wonderfully written, the reader is allowed to trace Rockefeller's roots of his granparents to his parents all the way to his grandchildren.The book also gives excellent details on the paths he chose to follow in business, where he received his "education", and the philanthropy that he was well known for. Though the book is not short on length, if you have a good length of time, then I do recommend the book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the richest and most giving man of all time. By learning about Rockefeller, I was able to realize the magnitude of the impact he has had on American society. I can't imagine society if had not been so great! Also, the book does a great job giving real insight into Rockefeller's true character. He was not such a ruthless businessman, but actually compassionate as he not only gave money to his charities but also to his poverty stricken church going brethren. Rockefeller left very big shoes to fill, and the book even goes into how Jr. did his best to replace his father's momentous work. Long, difficult, but VERY rewarding, I highly enjoyed and recommend reading "Titan". What a great name for a biography of such a character!
Rating: 
Summary: Terrific, superb although a bit too lenghty
Review: Whoaaa, what a biography !!! This is probably the best biography I've ever read. Chernow did a very superb job, covering the John Rockefeller's (JR) life from childhood until his death in a very interesting way. Combined with other sources, a cancelled autobiography that was made available for the author's review might add more clarity and in depth (and probably accurate) discussion about JR and his business empire. This may be equivalent to interviewing the Titan by himself. Every part of JR life is discussed in detail, in a balanced, neutral view. Although JR did a lot of anti-competitive moves during his era, he contributed a lot to society, giving back most of his fortune which made JR the greatest philantropist in the history. One can assume that he make money to be given back to the society, up to the point that JR was afraid that his donated money was used poorly. I think the discussion on how he built University of Chicago, funding several gigantic charity moves are the most interesting. Very recommended, although the book is very thick with small type of font. It might be better if the author explained a little bit about Rockefeller Foundations nowadays (what they are doing etc.). The book stops straight after JR's death. I am looking forward to read Ron Chernow's other books.
Rating: 
Summary: A very insightful book that missed that escaped good editing
Review: Ron Chernow's Titan was a very very good read. The shame is that it could have been great. Mr. Chernow's insight and research into America's first true multinational industrialist provides the reader with valuable information on Mr. Rockefellers often conflicting moral and business values, however reconsiled internally by this towering figure in U.S. economic history. Chernow's ability to follow both Standard Oil and the Rockefeller clan on a fairly straight time line is impressive. What kept creeping into this readers mind is that there were needless repitions regarding antitrust attempts on the part of the U.S. Government and an often disjointed narrative dealing with the economic framework against which Standard Oil was operating in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries. This could have been a facinating book but turned out to be candidly just "educational". It is a pity, for the work is quite obvioulsly there for more. Shame on the "editors".
Rating:
Summary: Be inspired - A businessman constantly ahead of time!
Review: If you enjoy biographies and business stragegy you'll enjoy this one. It is amazing how Rockefeller constantly was ahead of everyone else. He managed to take advantage of opportunities others didn't think existed. Thiking about how Bill Gates struggle in court these years - it is fasinating to know that all the laws he is fighting, was made after Rockefeller and Standard Oil took over the American oil-industri (and of course because of HOW they took over the industri). I also bought the Audio-book and listen to it in my car again & again. I just can't help it! It is cheap entertainment - just buy it and read it!
Rating:
Summary: Shows the man and how the man became the myth
Review: Whatever your opinion of John D. Rockefeller, Sr., this book will give you information that will allow you to reassess your views in light of new and better information. This book helped me understand what it is that Mr. Rockefeller acheived and what he was after. And it wasn't just money for money's sake. Certainly, there is much about his business practices in building Standard Oil that rankle, but you will be surprised how many of them have become standard business practice (no pun intended). The point that is often overlooked is that this man helped bring better and less expensive lighting oil to the citizenry than they ever had with whale oil. And he drove the price of kerosene down and still made money. We shout for better prices for consumers today, don't we? Mr.Chernow also takes us through great accounts of the breakup of Standard Oil and how the advent of the automobile made him richer than ever. The accounts of his building Spelman College, the University of Chicago, the Rockefeller Medical center and more are worth reading. As are the family's connections to some of the largest banks in our country. Reading about John D. Rockefeller, Jr.'s path in life is absorbing and bracing. The tragedy (massacre) at CFI is awful and the way Junior faced that and went to Colorado and spoke with the people face to face is evidence of great character. There is something here for everyone to learn about this important man and a family that has an important role in our country to this day.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful, inspiring read
Review: I truly enjoyed this engrossing and in-depth book on the beginning of the Rockefeller dynasty. Not only does it contain vast information but it is very readable. I found myself thinking about the book after I put it down. A must for history buffs or business types.
Rating:
Summary: Titan: A Man with a Long Shadow
Review: In his excellent biography of John D. Rockfeller Sr., Ron Chernow goes beyond the myths surrounding one of the greatest capitalists that the world has ever known. Chernow gives a well-balanced portrait of a paradoxical man who perceived unbridled competition as nefarious to the development of the nascent oil industry and by extension his Standard Oil. Although John D. Rockfeller Sr. was a ruthless, efficient businessman, he progressively came to the insight that God had given him not only a gift to make a lot of money but also the responsibility to dedicate a significant part of his fortune to philanthropy in order to foster the well being of the society at large. Unlike most "robber barons", John D. Rockfeller Sr. did not feel the compulsion to be too ostentatious. He led a quite modest life for a man who could afford everything he wanted. The recent development of industry-led consortia such as Covisint and Exostar presents a striking similarity to the emergence of trusts such as the Standard Oil and Carnegie Steel at the end of the 19th century. Unlike a trust, an industry-led consortium is created by major competitors within one industry. Industry-led consortia are under close scrutiny of the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission. Their success is built on both liquidity (i.e. traded volume) and value generated through the supply chain of a specific industry. Because success feeds success, there is a high probability that an industry-led consortium will one day dominate an industry at the expense of independent exchanges, private exchanges, and any other consortia on one continent and eventually on a global basis. Will the major players of an industry belonging to an industry-led consortium be able to resist the Demon of monopoly power that proved so alluring to John D. Rockfeller Sr. and his Standard Oil?
Rating:
Summary: John D. Rockefeller was perceived by many as evil;
Review: But the picture I got from "Titan" is he really was not culpable. He had a strong moral compass & believed he was God's instrument on earth. That may be misguided but not evil. He was not even particularly egocentric as most great men are. He just did what he felt was necessary & did it extremely well. That to make money by all means is what most sucessfull capitalist do. Money was his true god & the purpose he was put on earth. That was his measure of worth in everything he did. He did however, feel guilty in his declining years & sought to give away his money. Strangely, this was harder & more of a challenge than making it. Mr. Chernow does a fine job, presenting a balanced biography. The details of Rockefeller's early years & his rise to power is what I sought & was satisfied.
Rating:
Summary: I've read over 450 business books...this tops the list.
Review: I've read over 450 business books. This book, without question, tops the list of my favorites. It is unbelievably well written and well researched. Forbes Magazine says that John D. Rockefeller was wealthier than Bill Gates when adjusted for inflation. Not only does the book describe the life of this remarkable man but gives detailed insight into his psychology and business dealings. For both history buffs and those who want to use this book to stand on the shoulders of giants to get to the next business level...this book delivers. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: I've read over 450 business books...this tops the list.
Review: I've read over 450 business book. This book, without question, tops the list of my favorites. It is unbelievably well written and well researched. Forbes Magazine says that John D. Rockefeller was wealthier than Bill Gates when adjusted for inflation. Not only does the book describe the life of this remarkable man but gives detailed insight into his psychology and business dealings. For both history buffs and those who want to use this book to stand on the shoulders of giants to get to the next business level...this book delivers. I highly recommend it.
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