David Leon Chandler (1937–1994)

This was an interesting look at the life of Henry Flagler, a Gilded Age robber baron who struck it rich with oil and eventually made the state of Florida the place that it came to be as we know it today.

Flagler was astonishingly close-mouthed about his life and gave very short, succinct answers when interviewed by reporters. His life was extremely full and never boring. With John D. Rockefeller, he founded Standard Oil and became remarkably wealthy. His interests later veered towards the show more railroad and with it, he opened up access to the state of Florida. He was married three times. His first wife died tragically. His second wife went insane, believing herself to be in love with the Czar of Russia and that he reciprocated that love. Following his divorce from her, Flagler found a sort happiness with a younger woman.

In this book, his business affairs are fully covered. Some of this can get boring. Some of it, like the section about his hotels in Florida, was extremely interesting. I am definitely glad I read this. Flagler was never more than just a name in the background to me, especially with such luminous names such as Rockefeller always stealing the limelight. With this book, he has come to the forefront in my estimation as a power in his own right.

Very good reading. show less

This biography reads like a steamy fiction novel. It's hard to believe that one family could have so many skeletons in their closet.

A HORRIBLE BOOK. I couldn't even finish reading it it was so bad.

Flagler, Henry (Subject)