Empire of Fortune Book Summary

'Empire of Fortune' by Francis Jennings is a captivating exploration of the economic forces that shaped early America. Jennings delves into the complexities of wealth, power, and the impacts of colonialism on both the European settlers and Indigenous peoples. With rich historical insights and vivid storytelling, the book illuminates how fortune was both made and lost in the tumult of conflict and ambition. Readers are drawn into a world where fortunes are built on trade, land, and the tumultuous exchange of cultures. This compelling narrative invites readers to reflect on the origins of modern America and the legacies that still influence us today.

By Francis Jennings

Published: 1990

"In the tangled pursuit of wealth and power, every fortune tells a story of ambition, sacrifice, and the relentless march of history."

Book Review of Empire of Fortune

"A riveting, massively documented epic [that] overturns textbook clichés.... This impassioned study throws valuable light on our history." --Publishers Weekly

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In the tangled pursuit of wealth and power, every fortune tells a story of ambition, sacrifice, and the relentless march of history.

Empire of Fortune

By Francis Jennings