Robert Morris: The Financier and the Finances of the American Revolution, Vol. 2 [Paperback]

William Graham Sumner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2005

Robert Morris' tombstone states that he was "The Financier"; officially, however, he was Superintendent of Finance. Whatever his title, Robert Morris played an integral role in financing the American Revolution, and Yale Professor William G. Sumner examines Morris' life and actions to enhance our understanding of the finances of the young nation.In Volume II of a two-volume work, Sumner begins with the events of 1781, when Morris anticipated receiving loans from Spain. From there, Sumner looks at Morris' attempts to secure loans from other nations, his unpopularity and resignation, and the organization of the treasury. Sumner also covers the Bank War of 1785-1786, the Commercial Convention and the Constitutional Convention, Morris' career in the U.S. Senate, and his social standing and business dealings. What should be noted is that while Morris helped to finance the Revolution, he spent three years in prison for personal debts. WILLIAM GRAHAM SUMNER was a professor of political and social science at Yale University and became known as a Social Darwinist and advocate of the laissez faire principle in economics. Besides writing a number of books on sociology, history, and economics, he was also influential in the movement to modernize the American university system.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Originally published in 1891, this two-volume work combines the biography of Robert Morris, the Philadelphia financier who became Superintendent of Finance during the American colonial period, with a financial history of the American Revolution. While not an exhaustive treatment of the subject, the book adds considerably to the body of knowledge known at the time it was written. A fascinating irony is that Robert Morris, the trustee of American finances, spent three years in prison near the end of his life for personal debts. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

WILLIAM GRAHAM SUMNER was a professor of political and social science at Yale University and became known as a Social Darwinist and advocate of the laissez faire principle in economics. Besides writing a number of books on sociology, history, and economics, he was also influential in the movement to modernize the American university system.

Product Details

• Paperback: 340 pages
• Publisher: Cosimo Classics (April 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1596050837
• ISBN-13: 978-1596050839
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,520,557 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)