---
product_id: 77594076
title: "The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt (Pulitzer Prize Winner)"
price: "R1275"
currency: ZAR
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 8
url: https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/77594076-the-first-tycoon-the-epic-life-of-cornelius-vanderbilt-pulitzer
store_origin: ZA
region: South Africa
---

# The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt (Pulitzer Prize Winner)

**Price:** R1275
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt (Pulitzer Prize Winner)
- **How much does it cost?** R1275 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.co.za](https://www.desertcart.co.za/products/77594076-the-first-tycoon-the-epic-life-of-cornelius-vanderbilt-pulitzer)

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- Customers looking for quality international products

## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
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## Description

NATIONAL BESTSELLER WINNER OF THE NATIONAL BOOK AWARD In this groundbreaking biography, T.J. Stiles tells the dramatic story of Cornelius “Commodore” Vanderbilt, the combative man and American icon who, through his genius and force of will, did more than perhaps any other individual to create modern capitalism. Meticulously researched and elegantly written, The First Tycoon describes an improbable life, from Vanderbilt’s humble birth during the presidency of George Washington to his death as one of the richest men in American history. In between we see how the Commodore helped to launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan, and invent the modern corporation. Epic in its scope and success, the life of Vanderbilt is also the story of the rise of America itself.

Review: Highly recommended - Wonderful reading.
Review: Got a little bored - Having read biographies of great businessmen like John D Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and JP Morgan I'm no stranger to such books but this one was one the the more boring ones I've read and it failed to keep me interested for a long time. It was written more like an essay rather than a compelling biography. I would recommend Titan by Ron Chernow over this one

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #202,830 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #519 in United States History (Books) #925 in Entrepreneurship (Books) #1,236 in Industries |
| Customer Reviews | 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,335 Reviews |

## Images

![The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt (Pulitzer Prize Winner) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/81N3PpPqa7L.jpg)

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## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly recommended
*by M***A on 14 May 2026*

Wonderful reading.

### ⭐⭐⭐ Got a little bored
*by S***Y on 28 October 2015*

Having read biographies of great businessmen like John D Rockefeller, Andrew Carnegie, Henry Ford and JP Morgan I'm no stranger to such books but this one was one the the more boring ones I've read and it failed to keep me interested for a long time. It was written more like an essay rather than a compelling biography. I would recommend Titan by Ron Chernow over this one

### ⭐ Does not read like rest of the Pulitzer prize winners
*by S***E on 28 April 2021*

The book seems to be a big essay, every small detail is explained with references. The author gives no emphasis on readability as the book is littered with references for every trivial instance.

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*Product available on Desertcart South Africa*
*Store origin: ZA*
*Last updated: 2026-10-30*