Stewart Holbrook Knihy

The book explores the lives and impacts of key industrialists who transformed America through their innovations and business practices. It delves into the stories of influential figures like Vanderbilt, Carnegie, and Rockefeller, highlighting their contributions to various industries and the economy. The narrative examines how these moguls shaped modern America, their rivalries, and the legacies they left behind, offering insights into the dynamics of wealth and power during a pivotal era in American history.

"This Dover edition, first published in 2016, is an unabridged republication of the work originally published by The Macmillan Company, New York, in 1941 under the title and subtitle Murder Out Yonder: An Informal Study of Certain Classic Crimes in Back-Country America."

The book offers a vivid exploration of Americana through a collection of essays that traverse diverse landscapes from Boston to the Pacific Northwest. It highlights iconic figures like Annie Oakley while revealing the myths surrounding unique individuals and the notable places they influenced. Rich historical insights and the author's personal anecdotes from logging camps enrich the narrative, alongside lively portrayals of the nearly vanished Yankee spirit, making for an engaging and nostalgic journey through American culture and history.

The narrative explores the life of James J. Hill, a pivotal figure in the expansion of the Great Northern Railway across the northern United States. Portrayed as a complex character—visionary, robber baron, and buccaneer—Hill's story intertwines with that of other influential figures in the railway industry. Stewart Holbrook vividly brings this era to life, highlighting the ambitious endeavors and the dramatic impact of these railroad executives on the American landscape.