Welcome to Litsy!

I did this as an audiobook and it was like 34 hours long, which was too long in my opinion. But it was this long because chernow had a ton of primary information about this banking family and house and he put it all in. Super interesting at moments, particularly around the world wars. But it did drag a little in places.

Great book. LONG book. If you have interest in how our economy got to be as it is today and American history since the late 19th century, this book may be a good one for you. I‘ve been focusing on early 20th century history and I was not disappointed with what I learned in this book.

A fascinating history of the Morgan banking empire from its inception in the 19th century until the end of the 1980's. A tale of the transformation of the industry from a time of relationship banking where bankers were the titans who could and did stop market collapses and could dictate to nations through to the 80's when bankers had shrunk in stature and were now players in a casino of securities, mergers and acquisitions and leveraged buyouts.

Okay finished this evening. Fantastic book on banking history. Review to follow - from gentleman bankers to casino culture and beyond.

One more from the Morgan: Charles McKim (whom some will know from Devil in the White City) designed this little book vault for JP off of his study. With steel lined walls and and a bank vault door, it provided handy storage for a few of his favorite tomes. Who else wants one?!!! 🤑

L I B R A R Y P O R N The reading room at the Morgan Library is the kind of place I'm dying to get locked into overnight. Wondering how they reach the upper levels? Ground floor shelves on either side of entrance are actually doors leading to...you guessed it...hidden staircases!!! ❤️📚😍