Bond of Union: Building the Erie Canal and the American Empire

(Paperback)

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Description

In this elegantly written and far-reaching narrative, acclaimed author Gerard Koeppel tells the astonishing story of the creation of the Erie Canal and the memorable characters who turned a visionary plan into a successful venture. Koeppels long years of research fill the pages with new findings about the construction of the canal and its enormous impact, providing a unique perspective on Americas self-perception as an empire destined to expand to the Pacific.

Reviews

"Booklist," 3/1/09
"[The Erie Canal's] economic impact--vaulting NYC over Philadelphia as the commercial capital of the U.S.--was ably recounted by business historian Peter Bernstein in Wedding of the Waters (2005); Koeppel adds greater emphasis in his narrative to the constellation of promoters and politicians who brought the canal into existence...[A] lively account."

Author Bio

Gerard Koeppel is a writer, journalist, historian, and former editor for CBS News. He is the author of the highly acclaimed Water for Gotham and lives in Manhattan.