Published by Weidenfeld and Nicolson, 1973, hardcover, illustrated, index, 304 pages, condition: as new.
Perhaps no other name in history can so truly encapsulate the phrase rags to riches as Rothschild does. In the late eighteenth century, it was a gentle, astute Jew born in a Frankfurt ghetto, Mayer Amschel Rothschild, whose interest in old coins and canny investments would set the family on the path to becoming one of the most powerful dynasties of Europe. Ennobled by the Austrian Emperor, soon the Rothschild name would become a household name. Kings and princes, generals and businessmen, whether their move was political or economic, in a time of war or a time of peace, the controlling force behind them would be the Rothschild family. Dazzlingly rich, the energetic, brilliant and downright extraordinary members of the Rothschild family were the force responsible for innovations in banking throughout the nineteenth century. Times have changed and dynasties crumbled, but this marvellously rich history tells how the Rothschilds always endure.
Praise for The Rothschilds: The history of the Rothschilds is every bit as rich and remarkable as their wealth. THE TIMES
Splendidly readable. SUNDAY TIMES
One of the most delightful books I have read. Miss Cowles has given us a tour-de-force, well researched, comprehensive, frank [it] abounds in amazing stories of extraordinary personalities. BOOKS & BOOKMEN
Virginia Cowles (1912-83) was a renowned American journalist and biographer of historical figures, including Winston Churchill and David Stirling, a founding member of the SAS. Initially covering fashion and society, Cowles made the transition to war correspondent, covering first the Spanish Civil War and then the Second World War, reporting from all over her service in this was recognised by the British with an OBE in 1947.
"The amount of research that went into this book is truly staggering.
Not everyone will enjoy The Rothschilds but for those of us with an interest in finance and history, it is a gem. It is not an easy read largely because of the Rothschilds rules about not marrying outside of the family. One reviewer commented that it would have been easier to read had there been a family tree. There might be some truth in that but with cousins repeatedly marrying cousins you would have needed a skilled drafts-person to come up with something remotely understandable.
What a remarkable family. To come from a Hamburg ghetto and end up being one of the most powerful families in the world. The accumulation of wealth in the early 1800s would put even Warren Buffet to shame. To think that Nathaniel could turn twenty thousand pounds into fifty million pounds in London is truly staggering.
Virginia Cowles did a fantastc job with The Rothschilds and I dread to think how many years the research and writing took. A brilliant, well written masterpiece."
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