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The Founder: Cecil Rhodes and the Pursuit of Power,Used
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Cecil Rhodes was an imposing figure, tall, robustlooking, with a leonine head, a man so charismatic that one contemporary claimed that 'belief in Rhodes was a substitute for religion.' But he was certainly a man of contradictions. He was a dreamy idealist whose favorite book was The Meditations of Marcus Aurelius and a ruthless businessman whose guiding principle was 'every man has his price.' He supported invidious racial laws in South Africa, and invented and sponsored the worldrenowned Rhodes Scholarships. Though his own education and intellectual talents were unprepossessing, he dominated the British Empire and became one of the leading figures in the Englishspeaking world, the confidant of Queen Victoria and Kaiser Wilhelm, and a man of vast wealth and worldwide influence.Based on seventeen years of research, this monumental volume offers the definitive biography of one of the most controversial figures of the nineteenth century. Rhodes was truly larger than life, and this book captures that life in fascinating detail. It offers an astute portrait of Rhodes' childhood and adolescence, informed by insights from modern psychology; it vividly depicts life on a nineteenthcentury African cotton farm (Rhodes' first venture) and in mining camps around Kimberley and the Witwatersrand; it traces the surreptitious stock buyouts and mergers that allowed Rhodes to gain control over 90% of the world's diamond production by age thirtyfive; it describes his campaigns against African populations that allowed him to establish Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) and Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia); and it discusses the poorly planned, disastrous raid on the Transvaal that destroyed Rhodes' reputation.A conqueror and colonial monarch, Cecil Rhodes presided arrogantly over the fate of southern Africa. But he also built lasting economic institutions, furthered transportation and communication links, improved agriculture, and fervently believed that he used his wealth and power to advance the best interests of the British Empire and Africa. This biography illuminates a complex and fascinating life, a life both evil and good.
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- Q: What is the main subject of 'The Founder: Cecil Rhodes and the Pursuit of Power'? A: The book is a comprehensive biography of Cecil Rhodes, exploring his life as a controversial figure in the nineteenth century, his impact on the British Empire, and his complex personality.
- Q: Who is the author of this biography? A: The biography is authored by Robert I. Rotberg.
- Q: How many pages does this book have? A: The book contains a total of 854 pages.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: This edition of the book is bound in hardcover.
- Q: When was 'The Founder' first published? A: The book was first published on October 20, 1988.
- Q: What are some key themes discussed in the book? A: Key themes include Rhodes' duality as a dreamy idealist and ruthless businessman, his role in shaping southern Africa, and his controversial support of racial laws.
- Q: Is this book suitable for readers interested in political history? A: Yes, the book falls under the category of Political literature and is suitable for readers interested in political history and colonialism.
- Q: What insights does the biography provide about Rhodes' early life? A: The biography offers insights into Rhodes' childhood and adolescence, informed by modern psychology, highlighting his formative experiences.
- Q: Does the book discuss Rhodes' involvement in the diamond industry? A: Yes, it details how Rhodes gained control over 90% of the world's diamond production by age thirty-five through stock buyouts and mergers.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The item condition of the book is listed as 'Good'.