“The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt”

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum Presents Lecture and Book-Signing by National Book Award Winner T.J. Stiles

 
Norwalk, Conn., April 20, 2010 – National Book Award recipient T.J. Stiles, who chronicled the life and triumphs of American legend Cornelius Vanderbilt, will give a lecture at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum on Thursday, May 13 about the founder of a dynasty and the builder of the original Grand Central -- a tycoon who played a role in the downfall of LeGrand Lockwood. 12:30 luncheon, 1:30 lecture and book-signing. Books provided by Elm Street Books, New Canaan, CT.

"The First Tycoon: The Epic Life of Cornelius Vanderbilt" will explore the life of Vanderbilt, who was born humbly on Staten Island during George Washington's presidency and rose from boatman to builder of the nation's largest fleet of steamships to lord of a railroad empire.

Vanderbilt helped launch the transportation revolution, propel the Gold Rush, reshape Manhattan, and invent the modern corporation, Stiles says. He also did more than perhaps any other individual to create the economic world we live in today.

"This is a rare opportunity for Fairfield County residents," said LMMM Chairman Christopher Cooke. "Mr. Stiles, a renowned historian who is based in San Francisco will be at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum to discuss this groundbreaking biography."

Creator of a vast fortune, Cornelius ''Commodore'' Vanderbilt is an American icon. Lincoln consulted him on steamship strategy during the Civil War. Jay Gould was first his uneasy ally and then sworn enemy, and Victoria Woodhull, the first woman to run for president of the United States, was his spiritual counselor.

Stiles also writes about the rivalry between Vanderbilt and LeGrand Lockwood of Norwalk and their battle to gain controlling interest in the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern R.R.

"Lockwood wielded immense power in Wall Street," Stiles says. Describing Lockwood's demise after the collapse of Lake Shore, he added, "Lockwood begged for mercy. Vanderbilt gave none. Lockwood & Co., long one of Wall Street's great houses, declared bankruptcy…..."

Stiles' biography is a comprehensive account of the personal life of Vanderbilt, who embraced the philosophy of the Jacksonian Democrats and withstood attacks by his conservative enemies for being too competitive. He was a visionary who pioneered business models. He was an unschooled fist-fighter who came to command the respect of New York's social elite. And he was a father who struggled with a gambling-addicted son, a husband who was loving yet abusive, and finally, an old man who was obsessed with contacting the dead.

Stiles served as historical adviser and on-screen expert for ''Jesse James'' and ''Grand Central'', two films part of the PBS documentary series American Experience. He has written for the New York Times Book Review, Smithsonian, Salon.com, the Los Angeles Times, and other publications.

A native of Benton County, Minn., Stiles studied history at Carleton College and Columbia University, and resided in New York City for twenty years. He now lives in San Francisco with his wife and son.

For lecture information and reservations contact:

info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com

203-838-9799 ext. 17

Admission: $25 non-members $20 members. The admission includes the lecture, a light lunch and a tour of the first floor of the mansion.

12:30 p.m. lunch followed by 1:30  lecture and book signing

Lunch:  Courtesy of Bull's Head Market