Title
Alfred I. du Pont: The Man and His Family,Used
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If Alfred I. du Pont was born to 'the purple and ermine' of an American industrial dynasty, his life was far from peaceful, pampered, indolent. Beginning at the bottom as little more than a teamster and handyman, within fifteen years young du Pont was widely recognized as 'the best black powderman in the nation' and the mechanical genius of the du Pont family. In 1902, upon the death of Eugene du Pont, Alfred was brash and confident enough to claim for himself the company his elders wanted to sell to their major competitor, Laflin and Rand. With two cousins, he formed a triumvirate which ultimately converted the old gunpowder company into the great chemical empire it is today.In this brilliantly written, indepth biography, Joseph Frazier Wall ranges from Pierre Samuel du Pont de Nemours's spectacular rise in preRevolutionary France, to the family's migration to America and the founding of the Du Pont Company in Wilmington, to Alfred's death in 1935, charting the growth of one of America's great industrial dynasties. We meet Henry du Pont, the conservative leader of the third generation (he favored candles over electric lights in the office), who organized the entire gunpowder industry; Lammot du Pont, the crown prince of the third generation, who died tragically in an explosion at the Repauno plant; Eugene du Pont, whom Wall describes as 'a director without direction'; and a host of other du Pont men and women. But Alfred du Pont remains the center of the narrative. Wall details his rejuvenation of the family company after Eugene's death, the bitter family feud that followed his marriage to his cousin Alicia, the fifteenyear battle that he waged with some of the family's most powerful members (leading to his ouster from the company in 1916), and his brilliant second career in Florida (where he pioneered the development of sound banking, transportation, and the paper industry).This is the first biography of Alfred du Pont to appear in half a century. In preparing it, Wall had complete access both to Alfred's own papers in Florida as well as the vast collection of the du Pont archives in Wilmington. The result is a compelling story of one of America's most creative businessmen as well as an inside look at one of our most historically significant families.
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- Q: How many pages does this biography have? A: This biography contains seven hundred eighteen pages. It offers an in-depth look at Alfred I. du Pont's life and contributions.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The binding type of this book is hardcover. This durable format is ideal for preserving the book's quality over time.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author of this book is Joseph Frazier Wall. He provides a comprehensive narrative of Alfred I. du Pont's life.
- Q: What are the dimensions of this book? A: The dimensions of this book are six point four six inches in length, one point nine nine inches in width, and nine point five seven inches in height. These measurements make it a suitable size for reading.
- Q: What are the main themes of this biography? A: The main themes of this biography include industrial innovation, family dynamics, and personal struggle. It illustrates the complexities of Alfred I. du Pont's life and his impact on the chemical industry.
- Q: Is this book suitable for young readers? A: This book is primarily aimed at adult readers due to its complex themes and historical context. It may not be suitable for younger audiences.
- Q: How should I store this hardcover book? A: Store this hardcover book upright on a shelf in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain its condition and prevent damage.
- Q: Can I read this book if I am not familiar with the du Pont family? A: Yes, you can read this book without prior knowledge of the du Pont family. The author provides essential background information to help readers understand the context.
- Q: What should I do if the book arrives damaged? A: If the book arrives damaged, contact the retailer's customer service for a return or exchange. They should assist you in resolving the issue.
- Q: Are there any notable figures mentioned in this biography? A: Yes, notable figures include Eugene du Pont, Henry du Pont, and Lammot du Pont. Each played a significant role in the du Pont family's history.
- Q: Does this book include any illustrations? A: No, this biography does not include illustrations. It focuses on textual narrative to convey the story of Alfred I. du Pont.
- Q: Is there a specific audience for this biography? A: This biography is intended for readers interested in American industrial history and the du Pont family's legacy. It appeals to both historians and general readers.
- Q: How does the author approach Alfred I. du Pont's life? A: The author approaches Alfred I. du Pont's life with a comprehensive historical lens, detailing both his personal and professional challenges. This provides a nuanced view of his character.
- Q: What makes this biography unique? A: This biography is unique because it is the first to be published in half a century, offering fresh insights and access to Alfred's personal papers and extensive archives.
- Q: Does this biography discuss Alfred I. du Pont's business achievements? A: Yes, the biography extensively discusses Alfred I. du Pont's business achievements, including his pivotal role in transforming the du Pont company into a chemical empire.