Alexander Emmerich teaches transatlantic cultural history at the University of Augsburg. He has written several books in German about American history, the history of the German-Americans, and the history of the Wild West.

• Table of ContentsPrefaceIntroduction1. Origins, 1763–1780Family BackgroundAstor’s YouthThe Decision to Leave Germany2. Apprentice, 1780–1784 First Professional StepsCrossing the Atlantic Ocean 3. Immigrant, 1784–1800Arriving in New YorkFollowing Native American PathsFamily and Social Network 4. Visionary, 1800–1815 Enter the China Trade Real Estate on the RiseFounding the American Fur Company Astoria, OregonThe War of 1812 and the Loss of Astoria Astor and the Peace Treaty of Ghent5. Global Player, 1815–1834The Formation of the Second Bank of the United States Business GeniusReturning to Europe Trade on the FrontierRetreat from Business 6. New Yorker, 1834–1848 The Astor HouseWashington Irving’s Astoria Economic Crisis and Immigration WavesAge and DeathAstor’s Last Will—Founding a Dynasty Astor’s Public Image and Legacy 7. Astor Revisited—Afterthoughts Notes Bibliography Index