The Grandees

America's Sephardic Elite

By: Stephen Birmingham

Narrated by: Mel Foster

The New World's earliest Jewish immigrants and their unique, little-known history: A New York Times bestseller from the author of Life at the Dakota.

In 1654, twenty-three Jewish families arrived in New Amsterdam (now New York) aboard a French privateer. They were the Sephardim, members of a proud orthodox sect that had served as royal advisors and honored professionals under Moorish rule in Spain and Portugal but were then exiled from their homeland by intolerant monarchs. A small, closed, and intensely private community, the Sephardim soon established themselves as businessmen and financiers, earning great wealth. They became powerful forces in society, with some, like banker Haym Salomon, even providing financial support to George Washington's army during the American Revolution.

Yet despite its major role in the birth and growth of America, this extraordinary group has remained virtually impenetrable and unknowable to outsiders. From author of "Our Crowd", Stephen Birmingham, The Grandees delves into the lives of the Sephardim and their historic accomplishments, illuminating the insulated world of these early Americans. Birmingham reveals how these families, with descendants including poet Emma Lazarus, Barnard College founder Annie Nathan Meyer, and Supreme Court Justice Benjamin N. Cardozo, influenced - and continue to influence - American society.

©1971 by Stephen Birmingham. (P)2019 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved.

Unheard of historical conclusions

Book was slightly hard to follow due to the myriad of different names as most books of this category are. However it did have some very interesting stories in every single chapter. The hard copy would be easier to follow, but I prefer the audiobook so I can listen to it in the car.

Amazing American History - Jews Made a Profound Impact

So who put Jacob Astor on the road to his riches?

Who help finance the Revolutionary War?

And what about Admiral Uriah Levy? He was our American “Dreyfus Affair”. Just beyond belief. But it happened.

For Jews and everybody else, listen to this book. You will love it.

Interesting historical account

The narration was a little dry. A compelling history of Judaism in the US. I did not know that the Sephardic settlers predate the Mayflower.