“The House of Rothschild, Volume 1: Money's Prophets, 1798–1848”, by Niall Ferguson

688 pages, Viking, ISBN13: 978-0670857685

The first historian with access to the long-lost Rothschild archive, bestselling author Niall Ferguson offers a myth-breaking in-depth portrait of one of the most fascinating and powerful families in Europe in The House of Rothschild, Volume 1: Money's Prophets, 1798–1848. Hidden for nearly 50 years in the KGB's special archive, the uncovered records cast new light on the banking family's rise to preeminence. With the help of Hebrew scholar Mordecai Zucker, The House of Rothschild also reflects the first major translation of important and revealing intrafamily correspondence in the Judendeutch dialect. In a vast undertaking, Ferguson has synthesized material from over 20 different archives and 20,000 letters, as well as other historical sources, and produced an exceptional (and readable history). Ferguson follows the founders' five sons in their rise to power as pioneers of modern business communication, creators of the international bond market, and the financial force behind many political events of the time. A family saga as well, Ferguson reveals the true nature of the family's relations with one another and with most of the important politicians and monarchs of the time, as well as their profound connection to the Jewish community. A major book, "The House of Rothschild" is the definitive account of one of the most important firms (and one of the most exceptional families) in modern history.