The Rothschilds (Dynasties) Paperback – September 7, 2018

I enjoyed this book very much. My original interest was learning how the family became so wealthy and so well known. The answer is complex and pretty fascinating. The author's historical research is impressive and makes for very good reading. She covers the family's beginnings as well as their rise in power and wealth throughout the 1800's and past WWI in great detail. The last portion of the book covers what happened to the Rothschilds during and after WWII, but with much less detail. There are thumbnail sketches of various family members and brief descriptions of how they have regained their footing since the war. Although I was able to keep straight the various names and family branches from before WWII, I lost the thread with the sketches, so gave up and just kept reading. The sketches prove one thing, this family endured. And I have a new appreciation for why the name "Rothschild" has been used to denote the ultimate in wealth, power, and awe for the last 200 years.

The history of the Rothschilds is an amazing saga. Before the family there was no "banking" as we know it. From a Frankfurt ghetto Amschel Rothschild began his rise by collecting old coins and selling many to a German Prince. He worked for decades to develop a relationship with the Prince so he could make money helping him with financial needs. It happened finally and the four male offspring of Amschel followed their father and began to finance everything from Napoleon to Wellington! Some of the boys were brilliant others just willing to work but the father's demands that they always be together was a key feature in the rise of the House of Rothschild. Eventually there were Rothschild banks in London, Paris. Italy, and Vienna as the young men moved to the most influential cities in Europe and learned how to do business in the world.The Family was involved in the early government debt trading and later stock markets. They made pots of money in many ways including owning railroads. All was accomplished despite the virulent anti-Semitism that was common in Europe. One of the most remarkable feats was the raising of a large amount of money for Great Britain to buy the controlling interest in the Suez Canal from the Egyptian ruler who was short of cash. The Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli learned the Egyptian ruler might be willing to sell his shares so he called on Lord Rothschild presented the issue and that the money (a vast sum) was needed quickly. Lord R. replied "it shall be done." Within two weeks the money was found including three million pounds from the Bank of France even though the French owned the remaining Suez shares! Disraeli presented to Queen Victoria the control of Suez to her delight. The investment was not just politically important but also reaped profits on the order of 50% per year!The story of the Rothschilds is a remarkable tale. There is much more to enjoy about the family's vineyards (Chateau Lafitte and Mouton Rothschild), lavish entertaining, and grand houses they owned but the reader can do that. The book is a wonderful history of European financing and the fascinating family that did most of it.

Very interesting read although shamelessly sef-serving. It is so flattering to the family and so devoid of insight that it sounds like the author was paid to write it. Still, filled with facts and anecdotes about the various characters from pre-Napoleon to present day. One example of glossing over: For at least a century, Rothschilds were commanded by the patriarch to marry only other Rothschilds. This made for some interesting cousin-cousin, brother-sister weddings. No mention at all of offspring that weren't quite right. Is that possible with so much inbreeding?

Although the complex financial operations described throughout the family’s history may be above the understanding of most readers, the description of the different branches of Rothschilds, their origins and evolution, their personalities and achievements makes this book a very interesting insight into the world famous name.

This is a workmanlike biography of a family--the Rothschilds, whose financial accomplishments were extraordinary for the time. The book is functionally written, not elegantly so. But the information and detail makes this a fine work. Regrettably, the book was published some time ago. It would be nice to see where the family is today. But that is a mere cavil.The tale begins many years ago, in Hamburg Germany, as Mayer Amschel Rothschild, living in a Jewish ghetto, began his business career in a modest way. What is astonishing how--from these humble beginnings in business--he and his successors developed a financial empire. This volume does an excellent job in tracing the evolution of the family--and making the various figures into human beings.Over time, the family's influence spread, with branches of the family business appearing in Austria, Italy, France, and Great Britain, as well as--of course--Germany. Over time, the family trimmed back from this far flung network.However, the family remained a major player for many years. One key factor is how well the brothers and nephews and grandsons were able to work together over time. Over the centuries, there were some ne'er do wells, but I found it very interesting to see how hard the family worked (for the most part). There were times that the Rothschilds could tame cross-national fiscal downturns (reminiscent of later figures, e.g., in the United States to Astors and J. P. Morgan).Over time, the role of any family could no longer dominate. Thus, it it of much interest to see how the family adapted. Some moved toward success in the wine industry, for example.All in all, a very well rendered family biography. Well worth reading.

I really enjoyed this book. A great chronological history of this family. They may be wealthy but they also work very hard, play hard, and are huge benefactors to countless causes and charities. A very good read.

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At one point you just can't help but give up as the book is a long account of how noble and smart and charitable the Rothschilds have been

A really interesting and well written book on one of the worlds wealthiest families and their rise to fortune and power. Unfortunately it does not contain photographs as it is a re-print of the original long ago and it contains a few spelling and grammar errors. A great read if you enjoy factual history.

Loved this book. It was factual without feeling like a text book. A interesting family who were in the center of world events

I found this book very informative especially the early history of the Rothchilds. However, it should be noted that the history only goes to 1972 since the book was first published in 1973. I unfortunately was unaware of this when the book was purchased.In the final chapters of the then current history, the author does come across as somewhat in awe of the subject.