In the whirlwind of progress that marked the Gilded Age, four visionaries emerged as architects of the modern American economy. "The Tycoons" by Charles R. Morris masterfully narrates the epic saga of Andrew Carnegie, John D. Rockefeller, Jay Gould, and J.P. Morgan—a quartet whose ambition and ruthlessness carved the path for the United States to ascend as a colossus of industry. Through vivid storytelling, Morris transports us to an era where steel and oil were the lifeblood of innovation and economic growth, revealing how these magnates not only transformed the landscape of business but also the very fabric of American life. Morris delves deep into the psyche of these men, from Carnegie's relentless pursuit of progress to Rockefeller's imperial dominance, from Gould's cunning provocations to Morgan's aristocratic vision of a global trust. "The Tycoons" is more than a historical account; it's a journey through the tumultuous creation of an economic behemoth, driven by the conflicts and collaborations of its creators. As Morris unfolds the narrative of these monumental figures, he also presents a compelling exploration of how their legacies ushered in a new era of middle-class prosperity and positioned America as a powerhouse of innovation and productivity on the global stage.