Review: Memoirs
Editorial Review - Kirkus ReviewsMild-mannered plutocrat recalls some excellent adventures in a temperate, often candid text. Born 87 years ago in the largest private house in New York, Rockefeller evinces much respect for grandfather John D., the muckrakers' perennial target. ("It was a different world then," he writes of Standard Oil's monopolistic practices.) Father John Jr., an earnest philanthropist with whom David exchanged letters even while they were in the same house, earned even more respect from his son who, ever mindful of his responsibilities, studied assiduously at Harvard and the London School of Economics. After wartime service as an intelligence officer and a stint as acolyte to Mayor LaGuardia, David became a banker and for a while rode the subway daily to Chase Bank—never owned or controlled by the family, he asserts, though Father was its largest shareholder. Much of this account deals with David's career at Chase, which he transformed into an international presence. Credit him with reviving downtown Manhattan through the construction of Chase Plaza. From his 17th-floor office there or in Rockefeller Center's Room 5600, he dealt with the world's movers and shakers, networking at the highest levels in Russia, China, Latin America, and the Middle East. Though never seeking or accepting public office, Rockefeller founded and served on numerous boards and agencies. He did indeed start the Trilateral Commission, enlisting Zbigniew Brzezinski, Jimmy Carter, and others; conspiracy theorists may make what they will of his admission to being an "internationalist." Also discussed: Rockefeller Center's short tenure with Japanese owners, the work of the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, diverse siblings (big brother Nelson emerges as a charismatic bully), and the troublesome younger generation. His lengthy text is perhaps self-serving, but such is the nature of autobiography. A memoir, rich as a Rockefeller, that should fire up historians, pundits, and commentators: every page raises unanswered questions about a remarkable life. (Photo insert, not seen)
Review: Memoirs
User Review - Eric - GoodreadsAn easy read that is very detailed into the business career of David Rockefeller. I picked up this book a few years ago after reading Titan (John D Rockefeller Sr. biography) in the 90's. Titan is one ... Read full review
Review: Memoirs
User Review - Chi Chi - GoodreadsI have only read excerpts from this autobiography. I believe one of the most revealing quotes from this man is on page 405 “For more than a century ideological extremists at either end of the ... Read full review
Review: Memoirs
User Review - Rick Segers - GoodreadsI reviewed this book on amazon. Here is that review... I thoroughly enjoyed this very readable book. I am a great fan of 20th century biography and all writers have a certain agenda. That was the case ... Read full review
Review: Memoirs
User Review - Kylie - GoodreadsRead this while I was sitting in the Bedford Public Library waiting for my daughter to be finished with her camp(s). Read full review
Review: Memoirs
User Review - Tom - GoodreadsFascinating and very readable. I'll only give four stars because of the very real possibility that Mr. Rockefeller is not being completely forthcoming about certain issues. (He has been involved in an ... Read full review
Review: Memoirs
User Review - Mary - GoodreadsI was surprised at the contributions the Rockefeller family made to the world - I had no idea ... major financial endowments to Yellowstone and Versailles, to name two places... Read full review
Review: Memoirs
User Review - Katrina - GoodreadsOne of the best autobiographies I've ever read. Born to privilege, David Rockefeller has had an extraordinary life. He has met every head of state/performer/artist/author worth knowing. He is also a ... Read full review
Review: Memoirs
User Review - Eddie - GoodreadsI wasn't expecting very much from this book, despite my dad's recommendation, but the thing that I found most interesting was the backdrop to David Rockefeller's life. There's a clear and pronounced ... Read full review
