House of Rothschild Book: Uncovering the Truth Behind the Legend

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The House of Rothschild has been a topic of fascination for centuries, with many books written about the family's mysterious and intriguing history. The Rothschild family's rise to power was largely due to their involvement in the European banking industry during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Their wealth and influence grew exponentially with each generation, making them one of the wealthiest families in the world. The family's financial acumen and strategic business decisions allowed them to navigate the complexities of European politics and finance with ease.

The Rothschild family's banking empire was built on a foundation of shrewd financial management and a keen understanding of the global economy. Their success was not limited to their financial prowess, as they also played a significant role in shaping European politics and history.

Explore further: Rothschild House Worth

Plot and Story

The Plot and Story of the House of Rothschild is a fascinating tale of family, finance, and power. The story begins 32 years after the initial events, with the Rothschild brothers having established successful banking houses.

Credit: youtube.com, Niall Ferguson: The House of Rothschild - A 30-Minute Summary

The Napoleonic Wars have a significant impact on the Rothschilds, as they are approached by various leaders to provide financial support. Austrian Prince Metternich asks Salomon to raise 15 million florins, while Talleyrand requests 50 million francs from the Rothschilds in France.

Nathan Rothschild refuses to loan the British Government five million pounds, but offers the Duke of Wellington twice that amount to help defeat Napoleon. This decision ultimately leads to Nathan's victory and the Rothschilds' rise to power.

After the war, Nathan Rothschild is not invited to a party in honor of the Duke of Wellington, despite his significant contributions to the British victory. Wellington visits Nathan at his home, where he learns that the Rothschilds' bid for the loan was rejected due to a "technicality" - Nathan being a Jew.

The rejection of the Rothschilds' bid is a turning point in the story, as Nathan outmaneuvers his opponents and brings them to the brink of ruin. He extracts a treaty from them granting Jews rights and freedoms, and even allows Captain Fitzroy to see his daughter Julie again.

The story takes a dramatic turn with the escape of Napoleon from exile, but Nathan Rothschild refuses to support the restored French Emperor. Instead, he risks everything to support the allies, and is ultimately saved when Wellington wins the Battle of Waterloo.

Behind the Scenes

Credit: youtube.com, The House of Rothschild by Niall Ferguson

The Rothschild family's business acumen and strategic marriages helped them build a vast fortune, but it wasn't without controversy.

Their early success was largely due to Mayer Amschel Rothschild's shrewd business decisions, such as his involvement in the French Revolution and the subsequent rise of the French stock market.

The family's banking business was built on a foundation of secrecy and discretion, which allowed them to maintain relationships with powerful leaders and governments.

Cast

The cast of The House of Rothschild is a talented group of actors, and let's take a look at who played the key roles.

George Arliss played the dual role of Mayer Rothschild and Nathan Rothschild. He's a talented actor who brings depth to the characters.

Boris Karloff, known for his iconic roles in horror movies, played Count Ledrantz. His presence adds a sense of gravitas to the film.

Loretta Young played Julie Rothschild, a strong and independent character. She's a skilled actress who brings nuance to the role.

Credit: youtube.com, Shallipopi - Cast feat. Odumodu (Behind the scenes)

Here's a list of the main cast:

  • George Arliss as Mayer Rothschild / Nathan Rothschild
  • Boris Karloff as Count Ledrantz
  • Loretta Young as Julie Rothschild
  • Robert Young as Captain Fitzroy
  • C. Aubrey Smith as the Duke of Wellington
  • Arthur Byron as Baring
  • Helen Westley as Gudula Rothschild
  • Reginald Owen as Herries
  • Florence Arliss as Hannah Rothschild
  • Alan Mowbray as Prince Metternich
  • Holmes Herbert as Rowerth
  • Paul Harvey as Solomon Rothschild
  • Ivan Simpson as Amschel Rothschild
  • Noel Madison as Carl Rothschild
  • Murray Kinnell as James Rothschild
  • Oscar Apfel as Prussian Officer
  • Lumsden Hare as the Prince Regent
  • Brandon Hurst as Stock Trader
  • Gilbert Emery as the British Prime Minister
  • C. Montague Shaw as Stock Trader
  • Harry Cording as Man (uncredited)
  • Nigel De Brulier as Official (uncredited)
  • Murdock MacQuarrie as Man at Stock Exchange (uncredited)
  • Louis Shapiro as Napoleon Bonaparte (uncredited)

Background

The movie was produced by Darryl Zanuck, who was not Jewish, as an attack on Nazism and anti-semitism following Hitler's rise to power in Germany in 1933.

Zanuck received the story suggestion from George Arliss, a non-Jewish actor who had successfully portrayed Jewish characters in films.

The screenplay passed the muster of the Hays Office, which was a significant hurdle to overcome.

James Wingate, an official with the Hays Office, even suggested showing the film to a representative of the German government, but Zanuck refused to take that step.

In December 1933, the project was endorsed in one major Jewish journal, The B'nai B'rith Messenger.

Very Inside Baseball

Very Inside Baseball is exactly what it sounds like - a topic that's only interesting to a niche group of people. This section of the article is focused on the inner workings of the financial world, specifically the 19th century aristocracy's involvement in lending practices.

From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland
Credit: pexels.com, From below classic styled historic building of United States National Bank with wooden doors and vintage lanterns located in Portland

The article mentions that this topic can be dull unless you're a banker or have a strong interest in the history of capitalism. This is because the content is centered around the squabbles, wars, and politics that arose from investments in growth potential.

Informative articles like this one often require a high level of attention to detail, as they delve into the intricacies of the subject matter.

Reactions and Reviews

The House of Rothschild book has received praise from historians and readers alike. The book is a comprehensive history of the Rothschild family, tracing their legacy from the Middle Ages to the new millennium.

Historian Niall Ferguson's narrative is sweeping and detailed, conjuring up a world of widespread change and uncertainty in 19th-century Europe. The Rothschilds' influence was enormous, with branches living in Germany, France, Austria, and England, and their vast financial empire enabling them to act as diplomats and power brokers throughout the world.

The book has been well-received by critics, with Gregory McNamee praising its "richly detailed but eminently readable history". The book's hardcover edition was published in 1998 by Viking Adult, with an ISBN of 0670857688 and 9780670857685.

Review

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The Rothschild family has been a dominant force in European finance for centuries. Niall Ferguson's book, The House of Rothschild, provides a detailed history of the family's rise to power.

The book begins with the aftermath of the Napoleonic revolution, where European Jews had more freedom to move within dominant societies. The Rothschilds were one of the most influential families, with branches in Germany, France, Austria, and England.

Their vast financial empire allowed them to act as diplomats and power brokers throughout the world. The family's influence was enormous, with even the Confederate States of America seeking their support.

The book covers the family's involvement in various projects, including the construction of the Panama Canal and the development of Cecil Rhodes' diamond and gold mines in South Africa. Rothschild funds backed these projects, demonstrating the family's significant role in European finance.

The book concludes that the Rothschilds played a role in almost every economic, technological, and political development in Europe until the 1920s. The family's authority and wealth declined with the rise of nationalist and national socialist movements, as well as official anti-Semitism.

Here's a brief summary of the book's publication details:

  • Publisher: Viking Adult
  • Publication date: 1998
  • ISBN 10: 0670857688
  • ISBN 13: 9780670857685
  • Binding: Hardcover
  • Language: English
  • Number of pages: 688

Amazing!

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Readers have been blown away by the level of detail in this article, calling it "detailed to a fault." They appreciate the comprehensive look at the Rothschild family, business, motivations, and personalities.

Many readers have praised the author's thorough research and ability to provide a balanced view of the Rothschild family.

Fascinating Facts

The House of Rothschild book is a fascinating read. Niall Ferguson, a preeminent historian, wrote this scholarly work that's not for everyone.

The book is meticulously researched and well-written, with Ferguson diving deep into the history of the Rothschild family. This family rose from German Jewish ghettos to become the most powerful and secretive financial institution in the world.

Alexander Adams, the narrator, does an excellent job, and it's a 28-hour and 11-minute listen. He's won numerous awards, including an Audie Award and 18 Earphone Awards.

The Rothschild family faced extreme anti-Semitism over the centuries, experiencing confinement to walled-in ghettos, forced to wear specific markings on their clothing, and mass killings every 50 years.

I found the book fascinating, but it's a dense read that requires dedication.

Myth vs Fact

Credit: youtube.com, The House of Rothschild: Volume 1: Money's… by Niall Ferguson · Audiobook preview

The Rothschild family's history is often shrouded in mystery, but one thing is clear: they were forced to live in small communities and were restricted from many professions in 18th century Germany.

The Jewish ghetto in Frankfurt, Germany, where the Rothschild family originated, was not called a ghetto but rather a Gasse or street, but it was essentially the same thing.

In the 1700s, the Jews were limited in how many could live in the Gasse, how many could marry, and how many could move in from the outside.

Business was one area where the Jews were not restricted, which is why many of them turned to it as a profession.

If this caught your attention, see: Where to Live While Building a House?

Rodolfo West

Senior Writer

Rodolfo West is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the financial world, Rodolfo has established himself as a trusted voice in the realm of personal finance. His writing portfolio spans a range of topics, including gold investment and investment options, where he provides readers with valuable insights and expert advice.

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