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  • The Richest Man Who Ever Lived

  • The Life and Times of Jacob Fugger
  • Written by: Greg Steinmetz
  • Narrated by: Norman Dietz
  • Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
  • 4.0 out of 5 stars (7 ratings)

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The Richest Man Who Ever Lived

Written by: Greg Steinmetz
Narrated by: Norman Dietz
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Publisher's Summary

Jacob Fugger lived in Germany at the turn of the 16th century, the grandson of a peasant. By the time he died, his fortune amounted to nearly 2 percent of European GDP. Not even John D. Rockefeller had that kind of wealth.

Most people become rich by spotting opportunities, pioneering new technologies, or besting opponents in negotiations. Fugger did all that, but he had an extra quality that allowed him to rise even higher: nerve. In an era when kings had unlimited power, Fugger had the nerve to stare down heads of state and ask them to pay back their loans - with interest. It was this coolness and self-assurance, along with his inexhaustible ambition, that made him not only the richest man ever but a force of history as well. Fugger helped trigger the Reformation and likely funded Magellan's circumnavigation of the globe.

The ultimate untold story, The Richest Man Who Ever Lived is more than a tale about the richest and most influential businessman of all time. It is a story about palace intrigue, knights in battle, family tragedy and triumph, and a violent clash between the 1 percent and everybody else.

©2015 Greg Steinmetz (P)2015 Tantor
Professionals & Academics Europe
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Profile Image for Elisabeth Wilz

How history is tied to money

What an interesting book to listen to - especially in this moment in time. Wars need financing; governments are terrible at managing money and have always been self-serving; he who controls the money can and will influence history - wether intentional or just to make more profits.

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Profile Image for Bjoern Werner

It clearly shows the influence of money

Money smart men lend money to power hungry men
History as it was and still is
spilled blood pays interest

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1 person found this helpful