The Money Men

From the bestselling author of Andrew Jackson, a gripping account of the powerful men who controlled America's financial destiny. From the first days of the United States, a battle raged over money. On one side were the democrats, who wanted cheap money and feared the concentration of financial interests in the hands of a few. On the other were the capitalists who sought the soundness of a national bank and the profits that came with it. In telling this exciting story, H. W. Brands focuses on five "Money Men": Alexander Hamilton, who championed a national bank; Nicholas Biddle, whose run-in with Andrew Jackson led to the bank's demise; Jay Cooke, who financed the Union in the Civil War; Jay Gould, who tried to corner the gold market; and J. P. Morgan, whose position was so commanding that he bailed out the U.S. Treasury. The Money Men is a riveting narrative, a revealing history of the men who fought over the lifeblood of American commerce and power. "A lively and accessible history." -- Kirkus Review "Provides an important look at what needs to be done to keep money from being the only factor that counts in American politics." -- Publishers Weekly H. W. Brands is the bestselling author of more than twenty works, including Andrew Jackson, Lone Star Nation, and The First American. He is the Dickson Allen Anderson Centennial Professor of History at the University of Texas, and lives in Austin. Winner of four AudioFile magazine Earphones Awards, Lloyd James has recorded over 200 audiobooks, including many New York Times bestsellers such as Heavier Than Heaven and The Red Badge of Courage. "[James's] narration is always true and affecting." --AudioFile magazine