The Murder of Jim Fisk for the Love of Josie Mansfield: A Tragedy of the Gilded Age (American Portraits, 1)
Product ID: 55109241
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The two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist, bestselling historian, and author of Our First Civil War traces the extraordinary downfall of financier Jubilee Jim, bringing to life New York’s Gilded Age and some of its legendary players, including Boss William Tweed, Cornelius Vanderbilt, and the railroad tycoon Jay Gould. Even before he was shot dead on the stairway of the tony Grand Central Hotel in 1872, financier James “Jubilee Jim” Fisk, Jr., was a notorious New York City figure. From his audacious attempt to corner the gold market in 1869 to his battle for control of the geographically crucial Erie Railroad, Fisk was a flamboyant exemplar of a new financial era marked by volatile fortunes and unprecedented greed and corruption. But it was his scandalously open affair with a showgirl named Josie Mansfield that ultimately led to his demise. Review: Truth Stranger Than Fiction - The story of Jim Fisk rises and falls on his attraction to Josie. Ned Stokes the would be hero falls to his own weakness. After shooting Fisk three trials finally determined his fate. Mr Brand weaves the complex tapestry from real records. Review: Murder of Jim Fisk - A very good book from the stand point of the history of the criminal aspects of politics in New York. The story about Jim and his cronies is very interesting as I have visited the Jay Gould estate on the Hudson. Their crookedness in getting control of the Erie RR. from Vanderbilt is something new for me. The scene of the funeral at the start of the book had me wondering for awhile as to what was going on, but it adds to the interest in the book. Overall, I did like the book.
| Best Sellers Rank | #141,703 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #222 in Native American History (Books) #339 in Biographies of Business & Industrial Professionals #888 in U.S. State & Local History |
| Customer Reviews | 4.2 out of 5 stars 104 Reviews |
D**N
Truth Stranger Than Fiction
The story of Jim Fisk rises and falls on his attraction to Josie. Ned Stokes the would be hero falls to his own weakness. After shooting Fisk three trials finally determined his fate. Mr Brand weaves the complex tapestry from real records.
A**R
Murder of Jim Fisk
A very good book from the stand point of the history of the criminal aspects of politics in New York. The story about Jim and his cronies is very interesting as I have visited the Jay Gould estate on the Hudson. Their crookedness in getting control of the Erie RR. from Vanderbilt is something new for me. The scene of the funeral at the start of the book had me wondering for awhile as to what was going on, but it adds to the interest in the book. Overall, I did like the book.
J**D
the murder of Jim Fisk
This is a Fantastic and easy to read book about Fisk's life and murder - Fisk had the largest funeral in the history of New York City - up until the death of President Grant - Fisk and his partner Jay Gould were two of the most powerful people in the United States at the time of his murder -
N**F
19th Century Corruption
The author provides an interesting story of the corruption, immorality and greed of a period of US history that may have been forgotten or is little known today. It is an enlightening read.
B**3
Short and superficial
Lightweight tale of the life, times, and murder of a corrupt Gilded Age railway tycoon. Left a lot of unanswered questions and failed to flesh out the story and supposed allure of Josie Mansfield. I really wanted to like this book, but unfortunately I didn't - and I can't recommend it.
W**E
A very clear and readable little work of biography.
This series seems to be a sort of glimpse into the lives of characters from history. I recommend this one to anyone looking to get their biography told in the form of a good story and not as work of exhaustive research. It also serves as an enticing glimpse into the early boom days of American Industry. Good characters, good writing, American treachery as we've come to demand.
M**.
Five Stars
I liked the author's use of facts in the narrative. Thoroughly enjoyable book.
P**L
Mr Brands Makes History Enjoyable
Learned info I didn't know
C**R
Great Story - Well Told
I really enjoyed the book... I didn't know the story till I read it. I have read a number of Brands' books and generally enjoyed them
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