A.P. Giannini and the Bank of America (Oklahoma Western Biographies) [Hardcover]

Gerald D. Nash (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Giannini, the son of Italian immigrants, started a small bank in California in 1904 that would one day grow into the Bank of America. Called "A.P." by both friend and foe, Giannini was a feisty, hardworking entrepreneur who came to banking after a successful career as a produce merchant. Founding a new bank in the post-gold rush climate of California might have seemed foolhardy for someone with virtually no banking experience, but it was right in character for Giannini. While experiencing such cataclysmic events as the San Francisco earthquake of 1906, the Great Depression, and World War II might have destroyed lesser men, both Giannini and his bank thrived and grew. How a small San Francisco savings bank catering to immigrants evolved into a multinational financial institution as guided by Giannini makes for an engaging and often enthralling story. Recommended for all public libraries and special libraries with banking collections.
- Richard Drezen, Merrill Lynch Lib., New York
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 162 pages
• Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press; First Edition edition (October 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 080612461X
• ISBN-13: 978-0806124612
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,097,966 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Bank of America, February 17, 2011

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RalphAAnnunziata "Reader-Rider" (Eastchester, New York United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: A.P. Giannini and the Bank of America (Oklahoma Western Biographies) (Hardcover)

As an American with Italian ancestory, I read with great interest and enjoyment of the great leadership of A.P. Giannini in developing and expanding the role of the Bank of America. As is the case of most successful people, he was lucky to have a very intelligent advisor and confidant. In his case, it was his step father. If you are a young American of Italian heritage, be sure to read about this very interesting and successful personality who took pride in helping other people.